Editorial: Permit Coed Rooms in Dorms

However, the Department of Residential Living has yet to realize this fact. Although coed floors are the norm in University dormitories, Residential Living's current policy forbids unmarried persons of the opposite sex from living together in coed rooms. Of course, this rule is often not-so-secretly violated by young lovers. They may split their time between his high rise room and her Quadrangle room, but they are living together nonetheless. And it is quite likely that there are homosexual couples living together in University dormitories. But this year, Van Pelt Faculty Master Michael Zuckerman and other officials at Van Pelt made the bold step of approving the creation of two coed suites comprised of residents who are not romantically involved. Their decision appears to be against Residential Living's Victorian policies. And certainly the fact that Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone said she knew nothing about the arrangements does not speak well for the honesty of Van Pelt officials. But instead of censuring the officials and kicking the students out of the two coed suites in Van Pelt, Residential Living should change its policy. If Residential Living is really worried about declining occupancy rates, one way to better serve its customers is by allowing coed living arrangements in certain University dormitories. Coed living is healthy, and at least in off-campus situations, it has not proven to give rise to many problems. Some may complain that it is immoral for unwed men and women to live together. But it is not Residential Living's job to teach morals. It is Residential Living's job to provide students with the housing services they want. And, as can be seen from off-campus arrangements, male and female students want to live together. We're not suggesting that coed suites should be the only option available to students wishing to live on campus. Perhaps Residential Living could try it on an experimental basis (more than two suites, that is) in one of the living-learning houses. How about in Van Pelt? If the program works, Residential Living could expand it to meet student demand. Certainly, new students entering the freshman room lottery should not be forced to live in coed arrangements against their will. But if they want to do so, and their parents agree to pay the bills, why stop them?