Housing proposal under U. review

In a closed meeting, the University Council's Committee on Pluralism met yesterday to discuss the Undergraduate Assembly's recent proposal to allow coeducational housing in undergraduate dormitories.

After hearing from student proponents of the proposal, the UC Committee on Pluralism -- which is charged with addressing issues of diversity on campus -- will now determine if it wants to argue in favor of the policy at the next University Council meeting, according to Pluralism Committee Chairman Dennis Culhane.

If the committee decides to make a recommendation, the next opportunity for discussion on the proposal will be Dec. 3, when the UC has its next general body meeting. There will be an open forum after the council's agenda is completed during which individuals and organizations can present their concerns.

Proposal supporters, including College sophomore Bradley Breuer and College junior Jason Levine, the UC Representative for the UA, presented their recommendation last night.

"I support co-ed housing for all undergraduates," Breuer wrote in an e-mail. "I also feel it should be implemented in some shape or form urgently."

Levine agreed with Breuer and also said that he believes this to be in the best interest of the student body at large.

"I think there's a general consensus among the undergraduate community that current policy is outdated," he said. "This is not a sexual orientation issue, nor is it a political issue. It is only a personal preference issue that allows students to be able to room with the individuals they feel most comfortable with."

Culhane would not comment on the specifics of yesterday's meeting, saying that the proceedings were confidential.

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly First Vice Chairman Michael Janson also would not comment on the meeting, but discussed the proposal's background.

"Graduate students [have been able to live in] co-ed housing since 1992," the School of Arts and Sciences graduate student said. The executive board of "GAPSA has chosen to defer to the UA on this issue."

Philip Nichols, the faculty director of college houses and academic services and faculty master of Stouffer College House, was also on hand to answer questions and present his perspective on this proposal. He could not be reached for comment last night.

Under the proposal for coeducational housing, the UA recommends that "the University change its current policy to allow for coeducational housing, upon request."

The Pluralism Committee is comprised of faculty members, representatives from the Penn Professional Staff Assembly, the Weekly-paid Professional Staff Assembly, graduate students and undergraduates.

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