Gender Neutral Housing Expansion On Tap At Princeton University

PRINCETON, NJ — Beginning next semester, students at Princeton University will have the option of living with "gender-nonconforming" students, the Princeton Packet reports. Men and women are already permitted to live together on campus.

The University Student Life Committee unanimously passed a policy in the fall to expand “gender-neutral” housing on campus, according to the report. The university has offered “gender-neutral” housing since 2008.

The policy posted on the university’s website specifically states that all rooms allotted to room draw will be designated as “gender-neutral.” Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors may continue to apply for room draw in groups from 1-8.

They will then have the option to select rooms with classmates regardless of gender. Students not participating in room draw, will only be assigned to a mixed-gender room upon request.

Incoming students in need of gender-inclusive housing should contact the Housing Office to make arrangements.

Gender non-conforming students will also have first priority when it comes to using private bathrooms.

The policy was passed after student groups spent years submitting petitions. Some students who signed the petition posted testimonials on betterprinceton.org claiming the university’s previous policies invalidated their gender identity and describing fears of sexual assault and harassment.

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