Jonah Kahn | [email protected]

KU Housing sent an email to Grace Pearson (GP) Hall residents on Feb. 5 that it will no longer provide gender inclusive assignments starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

Students protested what they will be losing outside Strong Hall on Feb. 26.

Residents were told these changes come after finding the building was in violation of the international building code (IBC). Additionally, KU Housing policies need to align with KU and government regulations. 

However, residents of the hall think KU Housing is trying to align its policies with the Trump Administration.

“KU Housing, I believe, preemptively is trying to enforce the beliefs of the current federal administration” said GP Hall President Michael Wieber.

KUJH reached out to KU Housing for a comment and received the following response:

“If you are not already aware, the university needs to be in compliance with the International Building Code. For additional detail, please refer to the attached Feb. 13 letter that was sent earlier this month from KU Housing & Residence Life to Grace Pearson Scholarship Hall residents. As detailed in the attached letter, KU Housing will continue to support its residents in navigating this change to meet their housing needs.”

KU has other residence halls with bathrooms in the dorm, but these rooms are more expensive than what GP Hall offers and leaves students concerned about the financial aspect.

“They give us like three hours notice to like change our entire lives, and I can’t afford anything else. I’m either at GP or I’m not in college,” said GP Hall resident Donovan.

The Department of Education’s website states that it will continue to follow all Title IX rules under the Trump Administration. 

KU Housing will continue to work with students to make sure they feel comfortable in their housing assignments.