Earlier this year, Townhall reported how Wellesley College, an exclusive all-girls school, decided to allow its student body to vote on allowing transgender and non-binary students. And, in January, Townhall reported how Ithaca College in New York will allow students who identify as “transgender” or “non-binary” to live in a separate residential community that excludes “cis-identifying students.” This move was meant to create a “supportive community” for students who identify as LGBTQ+.
Furman University, the oldest private university in South Carolina and among the 75 oldest high education institutions operating in the U.S. today, allows students to live in a dormitory based on their “gender identity” rather than their biological sex. The school was named after Baptist pastor Richard Furman.
🧵Furman University, the oldest private university in South Carolina, provides student housing according to their ‘gender identity.’
— Meg Brock (@MegEBrock) August 26, 2023
“A transgender student may choose whether to disclose gender identity information to a roommate.”https://t.co/61MC6Waa0K pic.twitter.com/W6MHITg0NU
On the university’s website, it clearly states that “Furman will provide students housing consistent with their gender identity.” This means that students who “identify” as the opposite sex can live in the student housing among them.
Additionally, transgender students can choose whether or not to disclose this information to their new roommates.
“Housing and Residence Life keeps a student’s disclosed gender identity confidential and will share it only with employees who need the information in order to perform their job duties. A transgender student may choose whether to disclose gender identity information to a roommate,” the website states.
Additionally, the school allows transgender students to use restrooms and facilities that align with their “gender identity” instead of their biological sex (via Furman University):
All students should have access to locker room, bathroom, and shower facilities that are safe, comfortable, and convenient. Transgender and gender non-conforming students may use any facility consistent with their gender identity. Moreover, gender-neutral bathrooms are located in the Chapel, Dining Hall, Estridge Commons, Infirmary, Library, Music Building, Physical Activity Center, Shi Center, and Trone Student Center.
Townhall previously reported how female students on the University of Pennsylvania’s swim team were forced to share a locker room with Will “Lia” Thomas last year. Paula Scanlan, one of Thomas’ former teammates, said in an interview that she used to “change as fast as possible” when Thomas was present.
“It [the locker room] was uncomfortable. I did notice a few girls – there’s a few bathroom stalls in the bathroom – and I did notice some girls changing in the bathroom stalls for practice, which I’ve never really seen that before,” Scanlan said. “For me personally, the biggest thing was, when you’re changing, there’s all these people talking in the background, all these women’s voices, and then all of a sudden you hear a man’s voice. I’d always kind of jump a little bit [hearing Thomas’ voice].”
