Last week, the WSA passed a resolution to reinstate the gender neutral housing policy from spring 2004, which was cancelled at the start of the semester amid debate and misunderstanding largely on the part of the Administration. Because of the Administration’s history of ignoring student resolutions, this revisiting of the gender neutral issue by the WSA initially appeared to be nothing more than an exercise in futility. Starting Tuesday, however, the WSA will be conducting a poll to determine the level of student support for its gender neutral housing policy. This is the type of action desperately needed to attract the attention of the Administration.
The WSA has taken this proactive step to follow up on its words, but now the students must take the initiative to vote. While voter turnout for WSA elections and polls is typically low on this “activist” campus, polls like the one being conducted this week make a large impact on the Administration’s actions. This became obvious in the off-campus points poll last year, which showed there was student desire to use points off-campus and led to points being used at Thai Gardens. A lackluster turnout now will indicate to the Administration that this issue is irrelevant to students. If this is really an issue of our campus values, it is imperative that the student body demonstrate its support.
With a resolution and a campus-wide poll in favor of gender neutral housing, the WSA will be better prepared to confront the Administration. And with a clear measurement of student opinion and preference, the Administration will have to confront this delicate issue.
The WSA has done its part. Now it is up to us.
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