SGA looks at gender-neutral housing legislation, update on exam kits
Courtesy Photo : Screenshot of Oct. 26 SGA meeting
Legislation on gender-neutral housing was introduced during the Student Government Association House meeting on Oct. 26.
SGA's Diversity Committee is sponsoring new legislation to extend gender-neutral housing on campus. The Academic Affairs Committee also gave an update on exam kits.
CMU does offer some gender-neutral housing, but the residence life application does not include it as an option, said legislation author Nova Moore, who is also representative for Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Gender-neutral housing is only briefly explained on CMU's website, Moore said. For students to even discuss the possibility of gender-neutral housing, they are required to call the Office of Residence Life, which is not noted on the residence life application.
Moore wants an option for gender-neutral housing to be placed on the residence life application.
"I want this option to be there so (gender nonconforming students) are the most comfortable and most able to make this decision for themselves," Moore said.
Moore said gender nonconforming students deserve to live with students who understand each other and share a similar experience. Without this, these communities face high rates of harassment over their gender identities and anxiety.
SGA Senate was largely supportive of the legislation. Representative Moore received ideas for additions to the legislation such as changing and rewording roommate sorting questions on the residence life application.
SGA will vote on this legislation during next week's meeting.
Exam kit update:
Academic Affairs Committee Chair Chloe Ilacqua gave an update on exam kits. She is currently in the process of ordering the items for the kits. Ilacqua will also meet with Residence Life to discuss distributing the kits to front desks.
These exam kits are to help students prepare for their exams as well as methods to destress.
Other News:
SGA will now live stream both the House and Senate meeting on Facebook Live. Vice President Brett John Houle said this would provide transparency to people who are not House Representatives or Senators during SGA meetings.
There was no old business in the House or Senate.
