WASHINGTON – Gender-neutral housing, where students of both sexes room together, is coming to George Washington University’s dorms next year.

“It’s not intended for romantic couples, and that’s something the students actually spoke to us pretty loudly and vigorously about,” says George Washington’s Dean of Students Peter Konwerski.

University will offer gender-neutral housing in all residence halls except for three, which will be female-only.

Konwerski says students regard mixed housing as the most safe and comfortable environment.

“For our students we want to continue to make sure they had the most optimal living and learning environment.”

Konwerski says parents and alumni are overwhelmingly supportive.

Men and women have been sharing townhouses on campus for nearly 10 years.

The change at the dorms is a pilot program that the school will monitor over the next few years.

About 50 colleges and universities nationwide offer gender-neutral housing.

WTOP’s Dick Uliano contributed to this story.

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