SGA officially supports gender-neutral housing at CMU
Central Michigan University’s Student Government Association now officially supports gender-neutral housing.
The SGA passed a resolution Monday night in support of the measure.
Co-President of Transcend Shawn McKeever said he was surprised at the number of questions and support from the audience. Many people asked what they could do to help, he said.
“Hopefully this will generate publicity and student support, allowing students to see gender-neutral housing as a viable option,” said Owosso senior Sarah Winchester, political chair of Spectrum.
Transcend member Ryan Quinn said he was pleased with the result of vote.
"I definitely did not expect the vote to be unanimous (in the House)," the Walled Lake senior said.
The proposal from last April was generally outlined and information from other universities that have implemented this type of housing was presented, Winchester said.
The topic was briefly discussed at last week’s SGA meeting but was not voted on until Monday.
“While CMU says they help transgender students on a case by case basis, there is nothing in writing,” said Kylee Meade, Roseville senior and Transcend member. “SGA has put this issue up to the next tier.”
The Office of Residence Life has given assurance that the transgender policy will go into effect, Meade said.
“I have worked with (Residence Life) on the wording of the proposal to assure the message is clear as to what their goal is in working with our transgender students,” said Shannon Jolliff, director of gay and lesbian programs in an emailed statement.
One of the ideas presented is an option included on residence hall forms asking students if they are comfortable living with a student from the LGBT community.
“I’m just wondering how people feel about the LGBT option on Residence Life forms,” Meade said.
Meade said implementing gender-neutral housing is more important than ever right now because of budget cuts, which affect how CMU accommodates each student.
“The way of handling transgender students uncomfortable with their living situations was to put them in a room alone,” Meade said. “While that solution is accommodating those people, it leaves empty space in those rooms that need to be filled.”
McKeever agreed with Meade and said CMU would not want to lose students simply because it cannot accommodate their living needs.
“I’m (a resident assistant) for next semester and have been accommodated really well,” Meade said. “That alone shows how progressive Residence Life can be.”
McKeever said the presentation to SGA hopefully persuaded students who were on the fence about gender-neutral housing.
“It’s not about political ideology, it’s about helping your fellow students,” McKeever said.
McKeever said the next step is to take the issue to administration with the help not only of SGA, but also the office of gay and lesbian programs.
Meade said there is one important thing for students who do not agree with gender-neutral housing to know.
“You may not agree with my lifestyle or the choice I am making, but we just want to live as comfortably as possible,” Meade said. “I hope people empathize with us.”
