Gender inclusive housing at Whittier College provides an affirming, safe and welcoming theme community option for students who identify and/or share the following lived experiences: genderqueer, transgender, currently transitioning, discovering their gender identity, gender, gender fluid, non-binary, or anyone who respects and appreciates students with the above identities and lived experiences.
Students may room with an individual of a different gender or sex. Residing in the gender inclusive community is voluntary and open to all Whittier students.
Values
- Residents will work to create and promote an affirming, safe and inclusive environment for all students
- Residents will respect assigned roommates’ different motivations for choosing this living option
- Residents will promote and use inclusive language as well as the preferred names and gender pronouns of community members
- Residents will demonstrate openness and desire to develop their own understanding about gender identity, sexual orientation, and other differences
- Residents will educate their guests about the values and community expectations of the gender inclusive community
- Residents understand they will be removed from the environment if they fail to abide by these standards
Non-Discrimination Policy
Whittier College prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national/ethnic origin, marital, pregnancy or parenting status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, military status, disability in the school environment, or on the basis of any other characteristic protected under local, state or federal law, including all academic, educational and extra-curricular activities and programs administered, operated or sponsored by, or related to the College.
The full Whittier College Policy on Nondiscrimination, Grievance Process, and Civil Rights Investigation Protocol is available here.
Application Process
You may request to reside in the gender inclusive community by selecting the Themed Gender Inclusive Housing option during the room draw process. The Office of Housing & Residential Life will contact you via your Whittier email with further instructions. Gender inclusive housing is entirely voluntary and never mandatory. Roommate pairings in this community will not be based on gender identity, allowing students to room with a person of a different gender or sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whittier College have gender inclusive housing?
Yes, gender inclusive housing is available to all Whittier students who prefer it.
What is gender inclusive housing?
Gender inclusive housing at Whittier College provides an affirming, safe and welcoming community living option for students regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. This means that students may live with an individual of a different gender or sex. Gender inclusive housing is voluntary and any student can choose to participate.
How many other colleges offer this option?
Currently, at least 265 public and private schools in the United States offer gender inclusive housing or maintain a policy that supports this option.
Who is eligible to apply for gender inclusive housing?
Any student who is eligible to live on campus may apply for and reside in gender inclusive housing. Students who may be interested in the gender inclusive housing option should contact Housing & Residential Life at residentialLife@whitter.edu.
How do I apply for gender inclusive housing?
Visit the room draw page for more information.
Where is gender inclusive housing located on campus?
Harris A has been designated the gender inclusive residential hall.
What if I no longer want to live in gender inclusive housing?
Students may request room changes by following the normal room change procedures.
Can you make sure that my roommate identifies as LGBTQIA?
Residential Life cannot guarantee that your roommate will identify any particular way. Students may apply to live in gender inclusive housing for many reasons. While gender inclusive housing was designed to offer comfortable and safe options for students who identify as trans, are questioning their gender identity, or do not identify with a gender binary, any student can choose to participate.
Is the process confidential for LGBTQIA students?
The request will be handled through a confidential process and staff will not ask for more information than is required to meet the student's housing needs. Housing & Residential Life recognizes that students are not all alike and have different needs and desires. We will address concerns on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to Housing & Residential Life via email prior to the application deadline should any special circumstances require consideration.
What about restroom facilities?
There are no dedicated male or female bathrooms in the gender inclusive hall (Harris A). The bathrooms are shared by all members of the community regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sex.
If a parent/guardian does not want the student in gender inclusive housing, can the parent/guardian have them moved?
It is Whittier College’s practice that students select their rooms. We encourage parents/guardians and students to communicate about selecting a room and about any concerns or questions that arise during this process.
Resources
For more information on Gender Inclusive Housing at Whittier College, please email gih@whittier.edu.
For more information about LGBTQ+ resources or how to get involved on campus, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
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