TCU cancels plans for gay-themed campus housing

(RNS) After receiving nationwide attention for plans to incorporate gay-themed housing into other on-campus communities, Texas Christian University is postponing all eight themed housing communities to reassess their consistency with the school’s objectives. “The university will maintain its long-standing commitment to the inclusiveness of all people. To that end, our numerous and diverse support groups […]

(RNS) After receiving nationwide attention for plans to incorporate gay-themed housing into other on-campus communities, Texas Christian University is postponing all eight themed housing communities to reassess their consistency with the school’s objectives.

“The university will maintain its long-standing commitment to the inclusiveness of all people. To that end, our numerous and diverse support groups will continue to play a vital role on our campus,” said TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. in a statement releasedMonday (April 13).

Nowell Donovan, the university’s academic vice chancellor and provost, will hear recommendations regarding “living learning” community programs (LLCs) from a faculty/staff/student committee. When the new guidelines take effect, they will apply to all campus living communities.


While the postponement was criticized by the supporters of the gay-themed dorms, known as DiversCity Q, the decision to shelve the program wasn’t directly aimed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students, Boschini said, according to the university’s student newspaper.

“Some people were complaining about individual issues, but the biggest concern I got was, `Does this fit our academic mission?,”‘ Boschini told the TCU Daily Skiff.

Boschini also expressed concern over the possibility the program ventures into promoting separatism over unity.

TCU, in Fort Worth, is historically associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which affirms civil rights for individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.

Some students wondered why a decision about on-campus living conditions was being decided by non-students. “As a TCU student, I do not understand why LLCs must now have guidelines approved by a group of people who will not be living on campus nor interact with the students on a daily basis,” said TCU junior Susan Harz, co-creator of the gay-themed housing concept.

Other students, meanwhile, defended the chancellor’s decision.

“These communities … give a nationwide message that TCU is interested in accommodating for the individual, instead of promoting unity,” TCU junior Ashley Tambunga wrote in the Daily Skiff’s opinion section.


Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!