A co-ed experiment This isn't the first time the college has tried co-ed rooms. In November 1974, students in the Landon Hall Swap Program could live with members of their opposite sex for one week. After a week's time, they received another roommate, of the sex they requested. The program was halted less than two weeks after it started when national media outlets publicized the swapping. The April 1975 issue of Playboy also featured the Swap Program. The magazine referred to the program as, "A week-long coeducational experience ... to test intersexual compatibility." A Quad advisor originally started the program to let people meet one another and enhance a sense of community. Garry Thomas, associate professor of anthropology, taught in Landon Hall in 1974. Though he was not part of the planning of the swap program, Thomas recalls it as more of a "brotherly and sisterly kind of thing.... It was so people could get to know members of the opposite sex."

Freshman Michael Miller would feel more comfortable living with females than males.

“I’d definitely like to room with a girl if possible,” he said.

Brian, a junior who asked that his last name not be used, said he feels the same way.

“I really relate better to girls,” he said. “Because I’m gay, there’s no sexual tension.”

In an attempt to make all students on campus more comfortable in living situations, Created Equal is in the process of proposing non-gender specific housing.

Under the proposal, in specific areas yet to be determined, students would have the opportunity to live in a dorm room with a member of the opposite sex.

Though the project is still on the drawing board, Created Equal wants to finish the proposal by winter break, said Created Equal member sophomore Greer Connor.

While the ultimate goal of Created Equal is to make all housing on campus non-gender specific, the group now hopes for a residence hall or floor to start the program as a pilot project.

“The project is trying to emphasize the benefits for all students,” Connor said.

Many transgender students feel uncomfortable around members of their legal sex, and this proposal may help alleviate some of those problems, said senior Braeden Sullivan, a member of Created Equal and BIGAYLA.

If a gender blind option was given, people would live with someone they’re close to, he said.

If a male and a female are best friends, they would be able to live together as well, Connor said.

“A lot of it is about a comfort thing,” she said.

Non-gender specific housing can raise concerns about what will happen if boyfriends and girlfriends live together.

Problems arising from romantic relationships would have to be worked out, but problems with roommates are nothing new, Connor said.

She said she would also like to see an educational or social aspect in the non-gender specific living area. Students could learn about gender roles and breaking down the gender barriers in society, she said.

Some colleges have already implemented programs like the one Created Equal is proposing.

At Wesleyan University, students have the opportunity to live in non-gender specific housing.

Wesleyan currently has a gender blind floor that houses 10 students, said Brandon Buehring, an area coordinator in Wesleyan’s Office of Residential Life.

When students agree to live on the floor they sign a contract agreeing to make the living area a safe place. In its first year, the floor is a pilot program, Buehring said.

After Created Equal finishes writing the proposal, the group members will bring the project to the Office of Residential Life or to the vice president of student affairs and campus life.