In an era of inclusivity and progress, institutions must balance their commitment to diversity with the safety and comfort of their students. This balance, however, is not always achieved. My name is Piper Etheridge and my story highlights an issue that warrants the attention of universities and communities across the country: the need for a more thoughtful and considerate housing assignment process. 

My experience begins with my initial housing placement at university. Despite expressing discomfort with sharing a bedroom with male students, I was originally placed in all-male housing. Following my concerns, I requested female-only accommodations. This request was processed, and I was reassigned to a suite with three other women. However, unbeknownst to me at the time of moving in, one of her new roommates, is a transgender woman who had not undergone gender-affirming surgery and retained male external physical attributes. 

My initial reaction to this revelation was complex. I am an inclusive person who supports diversity and equality and is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community myself. However, my past experiences, including being a survivor of sexual assault, shaped my need for clear boundaries and a safe living environment. When I discovered the situation, I felt unprepared and deeply uncomfortable. I struggled with fear and anxiety, torn between wanting to respect my roommate’s identity and grappling with her own personal traumas. 

The university, while promoting inclusivity, did not account for my explicit request for female-only housing in a way that matched her understanding of the term. She felt blindsided and unsupported, particularly because I did not feel as though I was informed beforehand about the specific roommate arrangement. This lack of communication and consideration left me feeling unsafe in what should have been my sanctuary—my home. 

To make matters worse, the process of addressing her concerns was fraught with emotional difficulty. I initially refrained from reporting the issue that did happen to occur due to fear of being perceived as rude or discriminatory. When I did speak up to campus security, the response fell short of addressing her fears or validating her discomfort. The lack of proof and the sensitive nature of the situation created barriers to resolution. Ultimately, I had to choose not to pursue further action, citing the toll on my mental health and her academic responsibilities. 

This situation underscores the urgent need for universities to reevaluate their housing policies and roommate assignment processes. Students deserve to feel safe and supported in their living environments, and this requires proactive measures: 

1. Enhanced Transparency: Universities must clearly define what is meant by terms such as "inclusive housing" and "female-only housing" and ensure that students are fully informed about their living arrangements before moving in. 

2. Improved Communication: Institutions should establish open lines of communication where students can voice their preferences, concerns, and boundaries without fear of judgment or repercussions.

3. Trauma-Informed Policies: Housing offices need to consider the potential impact of past traumas on students when making roommate assignments. While respecting privacy, universities can implement systems that allow students to confidentially disclose relevant information that impacts their comfort and safety. 

4. Training for Staff: Campus housing staff and security should be equipped with the training to handle sensitive situations empathetically and effectively. This includes understanding the complexities of gender identity, trauma, and mental health. 

My story is a sobering reminder that good intentions are not enough. Inclusivity and safety must go hand in hand, and institutions must strive to create environments where all students feel valued and secure. To achieve this, change is needed, and not just at one university, but across the board. 

Let my experience be a call to action for students, parents, and university administrators alike. Reach out to your local institutions, demand clarity and fairness in housing policies, and advocate for the necessary reforms. I plan to take action with Trent University and have my perspective heard and considered and I strongly encourage you to scan the QR code provided and sign the petition to start this change. Together, we can ensure that no student has to choose between inclusivity and safety, and that every individual can thrive in their home away from home.

Editor's Note: Etheridge did not register as a candidate with the TCSA for the upcoming student election. Additionally, her platform was deemed offensive and was concidered an egregious violation of the spirit of elections or grievous harm and would not have been accepted according to email Correspondence with TCSA Lead Electoral Officer, Wendy Walker on February 10th, 2025.