Adding Co-Ed Housing
RHA takes vote to support new housing option on campus
Kylie Jacobsen
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: News
Representatives for the Residence Hall Association met last Thursday to discuss their stance for a co-ed housing option for fall 2010 at Southwest Minnesota State University.
The body members voted in support of the proposal to be written on behalf of RHA to Residence Life administration. The option would allow students of opposite sex to request co-ed housing in double rooms in the Foundation Apartments.
At this time, co-ed living situations are being dealt with on a need-by-need basis.
"Currently, we do have couples living together," said Paul LaMantia, director of student center.
The co-ed living option is not only offered to couples; the option is available to siblings too. Additionally, the option is favored by married couples on campus.
"I cannot express how much it would mean to us if we could live together," said Jessie Eckroad, fiancée of Sam Fitzer, both SMSU students.
If the option is added to the housing contract next fall, there will be minimal rooms for lease. Right now, there are four to six double rooms available.
"It will be dealt with the same as any optional housing. Pairs will be placed on waiting lists if there are too many requests," LaMantia said.
According to MNSCU policy, couples with children will not be allowed to live in the apartments.
Currently, state law requires that subsidized housing must have options for all types of sexual preferences so that landlords cannot discriminate against couples. SMSU is thus required offer housing for homosexual and heterosexual partners.
The body members voted in support of the proposal to be written on behalf of RHA to Residence Life administration. The option would allow students of opposite sex to request co-ed housing in double rooms in the Foundation Apartments.
At this time, co-ed living situations are being dealt with on a need-by-need basis.
"Currently, we do have couples living together," said Paul LaMantia, director of student center.
The co-ed living option is not only offered to couples; the option is available to siblings too. Additionally, the option is favored by married couples on campus.
"I cannot express how much it would mean to us if we could live together," said Jessie Eckroad, fiancée of Sam Fitzer, both SMSU students.
If the option is added to the housing contract next fall, there will be minimal rooms for lease. Right now, there are four to six double rooms available.
"It will be dealt with the same as any optional housing. Pairs will be placed on waiting lists if there are too many requests," LaMantia said.
According to MNSCU policy, couples with children will not be allowed to live in the apartments.
Currently, state law requires that subsidized housing must have options for all types of sexual preferences so that landlords cannot discriminate against couples. SMSU is thus required offer housing for homosexual and heterosexual partners.
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