San Diego State University
PAE-T2-1: Gender Neutral Housing

Gender-Neutral Housing
Consistent with University policy and practice, the Office of Housing Administration (OHA) and Residential Education Office (REO) responds to student needs and works to develop a nurturing community atmosphere that values diversity, social justice and promotes the dignity of all people.

In keeping with the overall mission of San Diego State University (SDSU), OHA/REO strives to provide safe and supportive on-campus lifestyle and living learning communities where diverse students are challenged to develop holistically; as scholars, citizens and leaders.

In keeping with this mission and California Law, which includes “gender identity” in the fair housing non-discrimination statement, a student driven pilot program for Gender-Neutral Housing will occur in the SDSU residence halls during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Residents must self-select the Gender-Neutral Housing option. Gender-Neutral Housing will never be forced upon a student. Residents must be an undergraduate student, at least 18 years of age, and eligible for University housing.

A limited number of spaces will be available to returning students who seek a more independent style of living.

In order to provide support to students who, for whatever reason, need or request special accommodations due to gender identity/expression, OHA/REO needs to know that a student requires such accommodations. Returning residents with concerns of any kind relating to their gender identity/expression are urged to contact OHA/REO, and an appropriate housing assignment will be made. OHA/REO will not ask for any more information than is required to meet students’ housing needs and, by law, all disclosed information will be kept strictly confidential.

Incoming first year students are not eligible to participate during their first two semesters. First year students who want a Gender-Neutral Housing assignment should contact OHA, and an appropriate housing assignment will be made.

Roommate pairings will not be based on gender identity, therefore Gender-Neutral Housing allows roommate pairings regardless of the gender with which a student does or does not identify. Thus, residents of Gender-Neutral Housing may request any roommate. Gender-Neutral Housing placement priority will be given to students who notify OHA/REO in a timely manner that they request accommodations based on their gender identity or gender expression. Students can also provide a preferred roommate, with REO approval, when they apply to the program, otherwise students will be notified of their hall assignment in late July and their roommate(s) in early August.

The University discourages all students in romantic relationships from living together in a residence hall, although we do not question the student’s motives for wanting to live in a Gender-Neutral Housing option.

If OHA/REO is able to accommodate a student request, we will do so. In meeting the needs of students, OHA/REO consistently recognizes and respects the gender identity that the student has identified. Recognizing that students are not all alike and have different needs and desires, OHA/REO will address these concerns on a case-by-case basis. If Gender- Neutral Housing is not available, you may request information regarding other housing options available.

For information or questions concerning Gender-Neutral Housing please contact Kara Bauer at (619) 594-5742 or email at kbauer@mail.sdsu.edu.