Co-Ed Rooms to Be Available for Penn Freshmen

Penn will offer gender-neutral housing for freshman starting Fall 2012

In the fall of 2012, incoming freshman at the University of Pennsylvania will have the unique opportunity to room with a member of the opposite sex, reports the Daily Pennsylvanian.

The new policy was an effort coordinated by both student organizations and school administrators.

Student leaders expect the change to promote gender equality, as well as simplify the housing process for both students and the housing administration, states the DP.

Penn has offered gender-neutral housing since 2004, but only for upperclassmen. Other Ivy League institutions also allow students to room with the opposite gender but are yet to offer a co-ed option for freshman.

According to the DP, Penn students hope this change makes the school the paramount institution for progressive housing, with a model that similar universities can follow.

Current students are excited about the new system. In addition, incoming freshmen, while unable to take advantage of this new policy, are optimistic about the opportunities it affords future students who will be allowed to room with whomever they choose, regardless of sex.

The innovative housing policies are not the last step in Penn’s progressive pursuits. The DP reports that students are still working towards making the campus more comfortable for transgender students and establishing gender-neutral bathrooms throughout campus.

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