LGBTU proposes queer residence hall program

This week, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Union submitted a proposal to the Housing and Dining Committee for a residence program of its own.

LGBTU's proposal to turn part of a residence hall into a program house for lesbian and gay students and their allies was greeted with enthusiasm by the committee, according to junior Alexis Eastman, who helped draft the proposal.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting, Eastman and junior Alex Kwanten presented their proposal to section off part of Barrows, Barnard, Asia House or East Hall for their program.

Kwanten emphasized the importance of keeping the program part of another residence hall because of the small-scale nature of the new project and because it would be safer than occupying an entire building.

"We don't want an LGBTU colony. We want integration and that is why the proposal is not to create a separate queer residence hall," Kwanten said. "In order to maintain a private atmosphere it's important to have the area on the top floor or in a separate wing of the residence hall."

Eastman agreed. "We don't want just a group sitting around and talking," she said. "We want a focus from which we can draw energy and work outward."

According to their proposal, the goal of the program is to create a "physically safe, secure and appropriate space with a welcoming and emotionally safe atmosphere for LGBTU students and their allies." Eastman also hopes the program will help to educate queer students who themselves might be ignorant about LGBTU issues.

Interim Dean of Students Deb McNish complimented the students on their proposal. "It's reasonable and objective. Overall it's a good, sound proposal," she said.

For the proposal to take effect, it will have to be approved by the Housing and Dining Committee at its next meeting, followed by the Student Life Committee, the General Faculty Council and finally the General Faculty.

Eastman mentioned that the proposal could be seen as a one-year pilot project, with its future determined by its success in the first year. She also said LGBTU would oversee the project for the first year with the hope that it would run itself in following years.

Like members of a program house, potential residents would have to fill out an application explaining why they would want to live there, what they would offer to the group and what kind of programming they would like to see.

Members of the committee expressed concerns that if the space allocated for the program were not filled, the College would lose money on empty beds.

"It is important to make sure that every bed is filled," said Sandra Hougland, director of housing and dining. Non-affiliated students assigned to live in the residence hall could potentially interfere with program activities.

Eastman strongly agreed, stating that interest in the proposal has been strong, with about 40 responses in the first four days after a notice was sent out to members of LGBTU. She also mentioned that the strongest support was from first-years and sophomores.

One committee member mentioned that the program could become a target for homophobic hate crimes. Both presenters acknowledged the possibility, but considered the danger minimal.

"We've got a supportive college environment. With the help of Oberlin Security and the moral support of the faculty, we can create a successful project," said Eastman. "Oberlin has had a strong tradition of support for gay and lesbian rights. Creating an area for queers and their allies would continue the tradition."