<p>I've been a fan of Denison. I'm beginning to wonder, and gonna watch this one closely. </p>
<p>It seems that DU has allowed gay "couples" to live in intimate comfort, rooming together in conubial bliss. However in order to be granted this privilege, students must come 'out.' So while this all seems rather bizarre to an admittedly traditional parent, now the great "equalizer" seems to be pondering the potential for heterosexually engaged partners to have equal opportunity in the form of coed rooming.</p>
<p>Say it ain't so, Big Red! Talk about twisted logic! </p>
<p>Let's hope that some sanity will prevail among the powers-who-be at Big D. Am I reading this trial balloon correctly?</p>
<p>Denison certainly wouldn’t be the first school to take this plunge. Even at my daughter’s LAC, which has a reputation as a somewhat conservative campus – at least in comparison to Wesleyan University or Bard, for example – young men and women share suite-style dorm rooms. Her school is east of the Appalachians, however. Denison may be on the cutting edge for midwestern LACs?</p>
<p>hudson, while your analysis and hypothesis may be correct, it doesn’t mean it’s right or true, might we agree? Who in their right mind would want there only offsprung to land at a Weslyan or Trinity or …and hope they glean a wholesome, healthy picture of how men and women …or even women and women …are supposed to live together without having to share half a bunkbed. As my grandma, who rest her soul makes more sense every additional day I’m granted, would say …if [Bard] jumps off the bridge, would you?!</p>
<p>As we’re learning so vividly in our crumbling culture, group think, especially among college students and their alleged presidents can be very debilitating and dehumanizing.</p>
<p>And what I have to wonder most, where in the world are the so-called “trustees” to whom the government has deligated responsibility and authority for all things educational on college campuses. I know a whole bunch who would never overtly swallow this kind of cool-aid.</p>
<p>Lastly, my understanding is that this is a trial balloon being floated on the hill above Granville. Let’s see if the boys take the bait. If so, soap on a rope goes on sale at the local Bed, Bath & Beyond. Is this possibly what the “beyond” meant? OUCH!</p>
<p>Well, Offspring #1 would have been happy to have gone to Wesleyan if she had gotten off the waitlist, but her decision would have had nothing to do with potential bunkmates. The idea of sharing a bathroom with another gender, let alone with her own, was thoroughly unappealing. Now with Offspring #2 looking at Denison, I’d say her attitude would be similar: the option of coed roomies is not a sales point, but it is also not a deal breaker. </p>
<p>As to whether I personally feel comfortable with male and female students shacking up in college dorms with the blessing of the college administration? Well, that’s another matter. But then again, I am old and have forgotten all about what it is like to be 19 years old and in love (or is that in heat?).</p>
<p>thanks for edifying, correcting my understanding. I don’t think the issue is same sex roommates romantically involved. As you say, who’s to know, care among their peers? And there are coed dorms there now, by wing, floor. But to my knowledge, beyond some abusive roommate scenarios allowing their “friend” to spend too much time in their room, it is not yet a formal option. Hopefully it won’t be. Regardless of geography, just because others do something does not confirm it’s worth doing. Look at who we elected president.</p>
<p>This makes no sense to me. If the students are the same gender, why can’t they choose choose each other as roommates? Why does the college require them to make some declaration about their sexuality?</p>
<p>My #1 son graduated from Carleton last June. They have offered the co-ed roomie option for 2 years, I believe. 2 thoughts on this…
My son said he thought the only reason they offered this is because they really don’t offer students the option of living off campus, where, at many of the state U’s, co-eds living together is common.
my second thought on this is that it’s up to us to be the parent here…especially if you are paying. I flat out said that I would have a lot of trouble finding it in my heart to pay for that living arrangement. My son basically said that he thought it was not a wise option for anyone and didn’t know of many that availed themselves of it. Like so much of college living, we as parents have to use our influence while still being realistic enough to know that our little angels are testing their wings…however, overnight guests are definitely not the same as roommates.
If it ends up being a Denison living option, I’m really not all that worried for my #2 son. He knows where I stand and though certainly not infallible,generally has common sense.</p>
<p>My understanding is that it’s a student group(s) pushing for this.</p>
<p>Just because State U or Carleton or wherever does it, regardless of where students are allowed or required to live, it makes zero sense tho whether any parent cares or not. And it’s a copout for a college leadership to knuckle to this one because 'everyone’s" doing it.</p>
<p>Listen parents, this might not be something you want to hear, but you clearly need to. Your children are most likely having sex. With other students… In their dorm rooms, regardless of whether they have a roommate. Students have a word for kicking your roommate out for the express purpose of sex - sexile. </p>
<p>Now that we have that established, Denison does not allow students to live off-campus. Students generally want a hands-off living policy, meaning they don’t want the college policing their academics, ethics AS WELL as the way they choose to live. The college also realizes that students can choose where to take their money and talents, so the college tries to make things unrelated to academics more in line with student values. </p>
<p>Denison built many suites - meaning one common area and 1 or 2 bathrooms with 4 single bedrooms. This is one of the most desired options as it functions almost like an apartment. When students are allowed to live off-campus they can choose whomever they like as a roommate. Thus, the college seems to be responding to the students and is considering allowing students to choose roommates regardless of gender.</p>
<p>Feel free to do so by not paying for his/her room and board if their living situation does not conform to your specifications.</p>
<p>However, understand that most college-aged students do not feel living with someone of the same gender is wrong, unethical, or improper. ** The college is responding to pressure from students to ‘move into the 21st century’. Not because ‘all the other schools are doing it’. ** </p>
<p>(Just so you’re aware, it doesn’t mean it’s easier to sleep around if living with the same gender. Your child will be having sex whether they’re living with a single or both genders.)</p>
<p>Wow! How in this crazy world did you manage such amazing insight? Are you married? Has DU mined your mind for your clairvoyance?</p>
<p>Nah, didn’t think so.</p>
<p>Did you graduate from DU? </p>
<p>With all appropriate respect, this sounds similar to an argument my 8th grader might offer to persuade me of his intellect, insight, and mostly his maturity. Really. Honest? So good gleaning your grasp of it all. Wondering …are you a goth, too? Tattoos? Tongue piercings?</p>
<p>Sure. It’s called …don’t click, don’t read. Your irritation, confusion, or whatever is self-imposed. But understandable. California … :p</p>
<p>If you’re disinterested …don’t open the thread. Simple.</p>
<p>It may be of no interest to you, but of note …this was posted on the national wire and in a Pittsburgh area paper today–29 Oct. Seems a great many see this as monumental news.</p>