Community college rolls out gender-inclusive housing community

[iKate]

Published  6:53 AM CDT Apr 29, 2015

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa —Iowa Western Community College is changing its housing application and creating designated space in a residence hall for LGBT students and their allies.

The school said its only for students who ask to be involved or who say they're open to it, but they told KETV that the feedback has been positive and emotional for students.

More at:

http://www.kcci.com/news/community-college-rolls-out-genderinclusive-housing-community/32635026

[suzifrommd]

Mixed feelings here. Don't want to create a kind of LGBT ghetto that's looked upon with derision by the rest of the school. I'd hold this up as a last resort if all other attempts fail to make the housing supportive of diversity. But I'd rather demand that the rest of the community accept me as I am and refuse to take "well you could always live in this Special housing we set aside for you" as an excuse for not insisting upon a supportive environment.

[iKate]

Mixed feelings here. Don't want to create a kind of LGBT ghetto that's looked upon with derision by the rest of the school. I'd hold this up as a last resort if all other attempts fail to make the housing supportive of diversity. But I'd rather demand that the rest of the community accept me as I am and refuse to take "well you could always live in this Special housing we set aside for you" as an excuse for not insisting upon a supportive environment.

I agree somewhat but it is purely optional.

It could serve as a safe space to prevent more tyler clementi style incidents.

[Tessa James]

Thank you for posting this Kate,

I serve on the national Diversity Committee for Community College Trustees and just reached out to Iowa Western Community College.  I feel this is exemplary recognition of the need for safe places on campus and the people who may feel underrepresented and underserved.  I also appreciate Suzi's feelings and perspective but strongly support options that at least acknowledge we exist.  Community Colleges are typically more nimble and innovative than our big sisters.  This is a story i intend to share.