News and Events => Education news => Topic started by: iKate on April 29, 2015, 09:52:10 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Community college rolls out gender-inclusive housing community
Post by: iKate on April 29, 2015, 09:52:10 AM
Post by: iKate on April 29, 2015, 09:52:10 AM
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
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
Title: Re: Community college rolls out gender-inclusive housing community
Post by: suzifrommd on April 29, 2015, 11:09:19 AM
Post by: suzifrommd on April 29, 2015, 11:09:19 AM
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.
Title: Re: Community college rolls out gender-inclusive housing community
Post by: iKate on April 29, 2015, 11:47:23 AM
Post by: iKate on April 29, 2015, 11:47:23 AM
Quote from: suzifrommd on April 29, 2015, 11:09:19 AM
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.
Title: Re: Community college rolls out gender-inclusive housing community
Post by: Tessa James on April 29, 2015, 01:03:13 PM
Post by: Tessa James on April 29, 2015, 01:03:13 PM
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.
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.