Gender Open Housing Mac/Questions for Parents

What are gender-open housing and all-gender bathrooms?: Gender-open housing does not restrict students to living only with others of the same biological sex or assigned gender, thus giving students more freedom in choosing roommates. Students are currently encouraging the implementation of gender-open housing on campus. Some bathrooms would be designated “all-gender” (while maintaining other men’s and women’s rooms) to meet the needs of individuals for whom traditional bathrooms are unsafe or uncomfortable.

Is there any way that my child would unwillingly end up in a room with someone of another sex?: No, your child would need to choose the gender-open housing option. At this point, no first-year student will be placed with someone of another biological sex. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors would continue to choose their roommate(s). Sophomore and upperclass-students may be nearest to an all-gendered bathroom, although gendered (men’s and women’s) bathrooms will be easily accessible.

If I don’t want my child to live in gender open housing, do I have a say in the final decision?: This decision is up to your child, however you should discuss the matter with them. Many students grew up in a gender mixed living situation, and are accustomed to using unisex bathrooms. Additionally, many students choose to live in mixed gender environments when moving off campus.

Would the college allow couples to room together?: The college does not prohibit same-sex couples from rooming together, and it is not expected that the college would adopt a different policy for heterosexual couples. Keep in mind that most couples do not choose to room together, even when they live off campus. Macalester students are old enough and mature enough to make responsible living decisions.

What if my child isn’t comfortable using a mixed-gendered bathroom?: Gendered bathrooms will remain an option for every student, and although they may not be the closest bathrooms to every dorm room, the majority of bathrooms will likely remain traditional.

Regardless of whether or not your child is considering gender-open housing, we strongly encourage you to have a discussion about the issue with them.

Show your support for gender-open housing! Call Laurie B. Hamre, the Dean of Students at (651)696-6220, or Brian C. Rosenberg, the President, at (651)696-6207.