Gender Non-Specific Housing, A FAQ:
What is Gender Non-Specific Housing?
- Gender Non-Specific Housing (GNH) option allows individuals of any sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity to room together.
- 32 public institutions and 66 private institutions provide a Gender Non-Specific Housing option.
- Six (6) of UNC-CH peer institutions have Gender Non-Specific Housing Options.
- Three (3) in-state institutions have Gender Non-Specific Housing Options.
- Gender Non-Specific Housing is not just a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer issue, but is instead an issue of personal preference and safety.
- This could make our campus a safer, even more accepting, and increasingly inclusive environment for all students.
Why Gender Non-Specific Housing ?
- Aligns with UNC-CH commitment to inclusion and contributes to recruitment and retention of students
- Is an issue of health, safety, and well-being for students
- UNC students are reporting harassment in gender-segregated housing
Who would be Eligible?
- People who are of age of consent (18 years) and older
- People who meet all other qualifications that make them eligible for on campus housing
- If someone is 17 or younger then parental consent would be required
Where on Campus?
- A designated certain number of suites on a coed floor for GNH
- A designated certain number of rooms on a specific hall for GNH
What about Roommate Conflicts?
- The same procedures now used by housing could be used regardless of the gender identity or legal sex of roommates having the conflict
- Contact the residential advisor (RA) for suggestions and/or mediation of conversation between/among roommates.
- If the issue is not settled at the residential advisor (RA) level then contact the Community Director for further help resolving the issue.
What if Heterosexual Couples Opt-In?
- If both parties are 18 and otherwise eligible for on campus housing, they could opt-in for GNH
- If they have a roommate conflict, they would be subject to the same procedures as any other housing residents roommate conflict
What about Sexual Assault?
- If a sexual assault occurs, the survivor can report it through existing protocol
- The survivor could be temporarily relocated to an emergency safe housing location
- The sexual assault report would be investigated by campus police and or Office of the Dean of Students per existing protocol
What if Someone Cancels Contract?
- Allow the remaining resident to identify a roommate who has requested or desires GNH
- If there is a waiting list for GNH assignments, the space could be filled with people from that waiting list
Do you have student support?
- We have collected almost 2,807 signatures in support of the proposal
- 716 of those who support have also said they would live in Gender Nonspecific Housing if it becomes available
- We have 53 letters of support from various student organizations and committees
