Fair housing for all

I n December 2004, the University said students living in dormitories could share rooms with members of the opposite sex. However, that policy only extended to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

In the spirit of Penn's non-discrimination clause -- which says the University will not discriminate by "sex, sexual orientation, [or] gender identity" -- freshmen should also be able to live with people of the gender with which they feel more comfortable.

A semester of people living in mixed-gender dorm rooms has shown that this set-up can succeed.

Freshmen should now have the chance to benefit.

While neither the University nor incoming students are ready for universally gender-blind room assignments, college students are mature enough to live with members of the other sex if they so desire.

If a sophomore has the right to live with someone of the opposite sex because it makes him or her feel more comfortable, freshmen in the same situation should not be forced to feel uncomfortable.

The motivation behind allowing upperclassmen to integrate was to make all people feel at ease and is a principle that should extend to everyone.

For those incoming students who are interested in living with the opposite sex, the University should facilitate the matching of potential roommates.

As long as both sides agree before arriving and understand the implications, students should be able to choose their roommate's gender.

It is simply a matter of fairness.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.