Georgetown University, the country's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university, will begin offering gender-inclusive housing to students this fall.
The policy change comes after a spring referendum in which students voted to support gender-inclusive housing options in residential buildings at the Washington, D.C., school.
Beginning with the incoming undergraduate class of 2028, students can indicate if they identify as transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming during the roommate selection process and are seeking gender-inclusive housing. Alternatively, students can express that they want to be considered as potential roommates for those seeking gender-inclusive housing, according to the university.
"With the outcome of the referendum, undergraduate students affirmed the importance of this effort and the consideration of future steps to support a residential climate that is inclusive for all students," the university said.
During the April referendum, 91.2% of participating students voted in favor of the university adopting a gender-inclusive housing policy, with 31.2% of students voting, according to the school's student newspaper The Hoya.
"This is a huge moment on campus and for marginalized communities, our LGBTQ+ community," Georgetown University Student Association President Jaden Cobb told the publication. "The vision to really make Georgetown an inclusive campus that the students voted on for the referendum has finally come to fruition."
GU Pride advocacy director Liam Moynihan, who claimed LGBTQ+ students have previously experienced housing discrimination on campus, also told The Hoya he's thrilled and hopeful about making Georgetown a more gender-inclusive school.
"I think we have a lot of work left to do as students to ensure that the university continues to work hard to meet their commitment and that the university continues to hear our voice as they shape the policies that will shape our lives," he said.
The school did not respond to a University Herald inquiry about potential costs of the program or what, if any, criteria must be met by students seeking gender-inclusive housing.
