Coed living an option to consider
By Editorial
A growing handful of universities across the nation are now allowing students to not only live on coed floors, but in coed rooms -- a move that would broaden the scope of what we consider standard, as well as potentially change hall dynamics.
These universities, among which neighboring Stanford will join in the fall, are allowing students to choose who they think they could live best with, regardless of sex.
While untraditional, we think that this opportunity represents a move in the right direction.
In the past, rooming with someone of the same sex has seemed like a no-brainer -- same body parts and presumably same interest in the opposite sex.
Yet, as we become more open to varying ideas of gender and sexual orientation, it is now clear that one's sex does not assume a certain gender, sexual orientation or interests.
This amendment in residential hall policy will allow students to room with those whom they find compatible, whether it is another woman or man. Who are we to say that women inherently get along best with women and men inherently with men?
We are not advocating that the school should encourage such roommate arrangements, but simply consider this as option.
Perhaps the first objection to this policy would be the underlying belief that, if two heterosexual students live together then they would naturally have a sexual relationship.
The fact is, if students are determined to have sex, then it is inevitable, no matter what their living situation is.
In addition, living with anyone is no doubt a challenge, so why not allow people to room with whom they are most compatible?
The policy should also be considered when planning future Santa Clara's residence hall expansion.
University president Paul Locatelli, S.J., has stated that he sees the future of residence halls fashioned similarly to the apartment-style design of Casa Italiana or Sobrato Halls.
Suites where a student could live in his or her own single in a suite with the opposite sex would create a new dynamic in resident housing. This concept would allow for more intimate coed friendships while still maintaining personal space.
Sharing a coed room is obviously not for everyone, and if students decide to take advantage of the opportunity, they should do so mindfully.
Yet, for the right people, this could be a chance to provide a more comfortable living environment.
Regardless of whether this policy is adopted at Santa Clara or not, we find the concept progressive, as universities acknowledge one's sex is not the ultimate factor in each individual's daily life.