Big changes are coming to the University of Miami's housing arrangements next fall.
Newly elected university president Dr. Julio Frenk announced Thursday that the campus will offer gender-neutral student housing in the fall of 2016. The subtle announcement was made during the first official getting to know you session with the new president and the student body.
Students in person and on Twitter brought up a range of questions ranging on topics from sports to sexuality.
Two students in attendance told NBC 6 that they've experienced discrimination and gender-related issues.
"It's uncomfortable for me," says UM student Trevor MacDonell who identifies as a transgender man. "It's not only uncomfortable for me, it's often very uncomfortable for the roommates I've had in the past where it's a very clear distinction. We're not the same. We feel that there's like tension there."
The senior told Frenk during the meeting that his living accommodations haven't always been the most comfortable.
"I'm required, if I need to address anything in the housing office, a form that says female. I'm not supposed to sign the form that says male," said MacDonell.
Local
In response, Frenk said "I will fight very very hard to eliminate any trace of discrimination or any feeling of alienation from our community."
Students tell NBC 6 that the conversation was a good start, but more can be done.
"A lot of other schools, even schools here in Florida, have physical space on their campus dedicated to an LGBTQ resource center," said student Morgan Owens, elaborating on what else the university can be doing to become a more inclusive environment.
Frenk did not go into specifics about the new housing, but the University has recently added sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination ordinance.
