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Gender Bias in Housing: A Comparative Study between Union College, Colgate University and SUNY Albany
by Jillian Laudin '02

Abstract

Gender bias is one issue that has plagued our society continuously, but the women's movement has helped to lessen its effects, as well as provisions such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, gender bias has not completely disappeared yet; in fact it exists at Union College, especially in housing. One can observe the obvious gender bias that occurs among the Greed houses at this school. The fraternities tend to reside in the bigger, more beautiful houses that are centrally located. The sororities reside in the dorm-like, less attractive buildings on the perimeter of campus. One would say this is based on Union's history, since it did not become co-ed until the 1960s. The examine the possibility, I interviewed Tim Noonan, Director of Residence Life at Union College, and Frederick Alford, Dean of Students at Union College. I also included a comparative study with Colgate University and SUNY Albany to determine if this was a common practice or if it is simply unique to Union.