<p>In case you didn’t realize, there are many religious sects in which men would indeed have a problem working out with females, and could easily think they’d benefit from male-only hours. If it’s such a reasonable thing, do you not think they should be granted them in the same way that women have been?</p>
<p>As you said, many, not just Muslims, religious people would prefer to work out in gender-segregated, which is further reason to allow these hours to stay put. I would be in favor of men-only hours if a group of men decided that they feel uncomfortable working out in the presence of women, and they presented themselves in a reasonable manner. Which is why I support these ladies: they had a legitimate concern and they voiced their issue in a respectable way. There is no double-standard for men in this situation. </p>
<p>That’s honestly the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. No one is suggesting entirely removing gender barriers; we just want them harmonized, and the obviously discriminatory policy that is women-only gym hours without comparable men-only hours to be fixed. All the stuff you’ve suggested taking away is available to both males and females (at least the rooms and beds certainly are) and therefore aren’t a problem.</p>
<p>Agree with you there. I really dont think that slippery slope arguments should ever be used (by either side). </p>
<p>As for them thinking that and being accommodated, what if another student (say, an Orthodox Jew) feels that dorm living is unacceptable to their religion? Should they be allowed to exempt? What if someone feels they’re too uncomfortable to live and use a communal bathroom; should Harvard be required to provide them with a private bathroom?</p>
<p>If residential life is required for the first few years, and a student has a problem with it, then I believe that it is perfectly reasonable for the student to request an exemption from this requirement. The difference between dorms and the gym is that students who wish to reside on campus must pay additional fees, while gym use is a right that is automatically granted to all students. If a student feels uncomfortable using a school facility they already paid for, then they should request reasonable accommodations to be made.</p>