Contributing Writer Nailah Russell
As many recall, 2002 was quite a pivotal year, marking one of the largest changes that Hood College residential life underwent: integrating males into the dorms.
While it was a difficult decision met with opposition from many sides, the benefits of the transition soon came to fruition. However, in an attempt to hold on to the traditions of Hood College, which many alumnae and current students appreciated, one residence hall remained under the all-female status: Shriner Hall.
Now, as of 2016, that status has been revoked and the building is now open to all genders.
“I was excited to hear that Shriner would be open to males,” said senior, Gideon Fischer. “[Living here] has improved my college experience.”
For those who wish to continue living in an all-female community, the third and fourth floors have been designated as such, and the first two floors are mixed gender. The first two floors have one female and one male bathroom, and the third and fourth floors have one female and one all gender bathroom.
Some Shriner residents who had lived there prior to the change meant that they would be losing a tradition they had gotten used to. They felt as if it was not one of the things that needed to change.
Though, after living in the newly co-ed building for about a month, residents of all genders seem content in their environment. Matt Troutman, head of Residence Life, even goes as far to consider this a “seamless transition” with no negative feedback.
Many students regard this as a positive change and hope that this will improve gender relations on campus as a whole and create a more welcoming climate open to gender-diversity. Upon announcement of the new Shriner order, there was some discomfort among the student body, particularly Shriner residents looking to remain in an all-female space. Yet, new residents feel welcomed and fit well into the community.
“I feel just as a part of the community as anyone else,” Fischer said. Despite worries that Hood traditions will be lost, many students look forward to the creation of new traditions and memories among new communities at Hood College.
“I would like to see Shriner continue to be co-ed,” said junior Ashley Schanken
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