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Texas Christian University to provide separate dorm for gay students
Before reading my blog post, please take a moment to read the original article: TCU to provide special housing for gay, lesbian students
When I first heard of this my initial thought was segregation. Not in the severe and strict form of racial segregation that was once so prevalent in the U.S., or the gender-based segregation of the Middle East, but segregation nonetheless.
I immediately began to ponder the pros and cons of something like this on a campus. I almost always view anything coming from the Christians with suspicion and doubt. Who here can blame me? But this idea does spark many important questions and dilemmas. I must admit that I was initially against the idea, but after reading the article, I’m not so sure. It might not be a bad idea at all. At the very least, TCU should give it a try and see how things work out. They can always revisit the idea at a later date.
Pro arguments that I came up with:
People enjoy being around those who are like them—others who share their beliefs, values, interests, or goals. So there is nothing surprising or harmful about GLBT students wanting to live together.
A gay dorm will provide a safe and comfortable environment for GLBT students. I can see this. I was targeted a considerable amount in my dorm, as I was openly gay since I was 17.
Con arguments I came up with:
Segregating people denies everyone the opportunity to get to know, understand, and appreciate diversity in others. By straights and gays living together, everyone gets to see that we all are pretty much just people.
Segregating can create an environment of mistrust and fear of diversity.
Dilemmas:
How would GLBT students feel about an openly GLBT student who didn’t want to live at the gay dorm? Would they feel snubbed?
What about closeted GLBT students who want to be able to visit any friend in any dorm without being associated with that specific community?
Or what about straight people who may be targeted as being GLBT for simply visiting someone in that dorm?
If they can create a gay only dorm, can they create a straight only dorm? A black only dorm? A republican only dorm?
What do you think about this?
When I first heard of this my initial thought was segregation. Not in the severe and strict form of racial segregation that was once so prevalent in the U.S., or the gender-based segregation of the Middle East, but segregation nonetheless.
I immediately began to ponder the pros and cons of something like this on a campus. I almost always view anything coming from the Christians with suspicion and doubt. Who here can blame me? But this idea does spark many important questions and dilemmas. I must admit that I was initially against the idea, but after reading the article, I’m not so sure. It might not be a bad idea at all. At the very least, TCU should give it a try and see how things work out. They can always revisit the idea at a later date.
Pro arguments that I came up with:
People enjoy being around those who are like them—others who share their beliefs, values, interests, or goals. So there is nothing surprising or harmful about GLBT students wanting to live together.
A gay dorm will provide a safe and comfortable environment for GLBT students. I can see this. I was targeted a considerable amount in my dorm, as I was openly gay since I was 17.
Con arguments I came up with:
Segregating people denies everyone the opportunity to get to know, understand, and appreciate diversity in others. By straights and gays living together, everyone gets to see that we all are pretty much just people.
Segregating can create an environment of mistrust and fear of diversity.
Dilemmas:
How would GLBT students feel about an openly GLBT student who didn’t want to live at the gay dorm? Would they feel snubbed?
What about closeted GLBT students who want to be able to visit any friend in any dorm without being associated with that specific community?
Or what about straight people who may be targeted as being GLBT for simply visiting someone in that dorm?
If they can create a gay only dorm, can they create a straight only dorm? A black only dorm? A republican only dorm?
What do you think about this?
Comment
-
Comment by Dallas the Phallus on April 14, 2009 at 9:15am -
I'm inclined to think that they are being pressured by conservatives or fundies to rethink it. IMO, if you want to find out why or how something happens, look at who's pulling the strings, and not at the puppet. I'm not sure that that is a perfect analogy, but you get the idea.
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Comment by Dallas the Phallus on April 13, 2009 at 4:08pm
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Update:
TCU Halts Gay, Christian Dorms
FORT WORTH, Texas - There will be no gay- or Christian-themed so-called "living learning" communities at Texas Christian University, according to the school.
In a written statement, university Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr., said the school would not go through with a previously-announced plan to offer the additional special housing.
"Instead we will assess whether the concept of housing residential students based on themes supports the academic mission of the institution, as well as our objective to provide a total university experience," the statement read.
It also stated that a group of staff and students would review the concept and make recommendations to the school's board of trustees.
In the meantime, the university will allow themed communities already in existence for this school year, including one for students who want to become leaders.
"The University will maintain its long-standing commitment to the inclusiveness of all people. To that end, our numerous and diverse support groups will continue to play a vital role on our campus," the statement read.
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Comment by Dallas the Phallus on April 11, 2009 at 5:38pm
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Even with that in mind, I don't think it's a good idea to separate a group out like that, especially at a Christian university. I imagine the whole dorm is going to be targeted for harassment as well as the more mundane defacement of property.
I had that same thought. Also, I don't suppose gay students have to live there, but they can if they want.
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