Most students have friends of the opposite gender. But none of us at Juniata College can say that we room with them, at least on campus. About two dozen other colleges and universities nationwide sanction on-campus unisex rooming—including the University of Pennsylvania, Clark University, Brown University and Oberlin College. Should Juniata also question its time-honored policies regarding dorm life? Teen pregnancy and pregnancy out of wedlock, STD’s, and privacy issues among other concerns are enough for some students to cower at the idea of unisex housing. Others consider the chances of a gay or lesbian couple choosing to room together, and whether or not the same concerns apply.

Should Juniata College sanction unisex rooming?

“Definitely not, because the male roommate might bring in girls to the room, and the female roommate might not be OK with that, and vice versa. Also, changing in front your roommate is not OK if you share a room with the opposite sex.”
Anivia Clair, International student from Bluefields, Nicaragua.

“Yes. If only because the world is not as strictly segregated as Juniata, and you’re going to have to deal with the opposite gender eventually.”
Charlie Allison, ’10, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

“I think it would be OK, but there would be so much drama, because guys and girls hanging out together is much different than actually living together. It can put a strain on the relationship.”
Lindsey Beideman, ‘12, Downingtown, Pa.

“I think it’s more of an upper classmen sort of thing, if you can go off campus and do it, then why not here, but I think it should be restricted to juniors and seniors because you’re adults.”
Ceth Parker, ’12, Sabillasville, Md.

“Honestly, I think it would be fine. Me and my buddy talk about that all the time I think it’s OK as long as you know the person beforehand and you’re comfortable with it”
Matt Walton, ‘11, West Chester, Pa.

Ellen Santa Maria ’12, Juniata Online Journalist