<p>“Also, what about gender expression? I could very well say I identify as female (which I don’t), and they could do nothing about it, according to Harvard policy.”</p>
<p>It’s safe to say that your proposal would erode many rightfully gender-segregated institutions, such as dorms, athletics and bathrooms. If your one of the “letter of the law” types, then go ahead and express yourself as a female, but don’t expect to succeed since, ruling-bodies, including the Harvard administration, tend to see the ridiculousness of such expression. And please dont ask: Well, are lesbians and transsexuals gonna be allowed in the gym? The answer to that is yes; Harvard and these ladies have no way of testing for that kind of stuff, so, yes, lesbians and transsexuals will be allowed. You just have to be female. </p>
<p>"Also, if this is a complaint from Muslim students, it makes no sense for other women to be able to “piggy back” on this “privilege”. I guess you’d have to flash your Muslim card, which is equally ridiculous. "</p>
<p>Why not? Why can’t the expression of Muslim ladies inadvertently correlate with the concerns of other women? As a good friend of a few Muslims, I know that Muslims benefit from the strong influence that the Jewish community has in instituting acceptable food options. Are you saying that since it’s a Jewish initiative, no other student can benefit from a kosher restaurant? Yes, just like most of your argument, flashing your Muslim card IS ridiculous (and unnecessary), since you dont have to be Muslim to enter the gym. </p>
<p>“If the female Muslim community wants its own gym time without the “intrusion” of men, it should get Harvard to build it its own gym, or go elsewhere in Boston, not petition the college to have gym hours taken away from others in favour of them.”</p>
<p>While it is a female, Muslim initiative, it benefits women of all walks of life. Harvard makes accommodations for its students when they come forth with a reasonable request/complaint. Asking for six hours of ladies-only hours per week is perfectly reasonable. However, I do think that building an entire female-only gym is appropriate.</p>