Rights, Inclusion and Support

Commitment to Inclusion

Housing, Dining and Conference Services and Residential Life at SFSU (referred to hereafter as "SF State Housing") value the freedom of gender expression and take all efforts to promote dignity and respect for and among all residents. SF State Housing acts in concert with federal and state law, as well as California State University (CSU) and SFSU policy and practice. Under CSU policy, no student may be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of any CSU program or activity on the basis of gender, and all students have the right to participate free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Additionally, gender is defined as inclusive of one's gender identity and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth.

Within this framework, SF State Housing seeks to meet the needs of students of all gender identities/expressions in the best way possible. This includes addressing students' needs regarding accommodation and harassment complaints.

The following are the SF State Housing guidelines related to gender identity/expression that apply to all residents and staff in our community:

• Accommodation Guidelines
• Gender-inclusive Housing
• Preferred Name Usage
• Harassment, Bullying and Title IX
• All-Gender Restrooms

Accommodation Guidelines

Residents who wish to request special accommodations due to gender identity/expression or gender non-conformity should contact SF State Housing as soon as the housing application is completed and submitted to the Housing Office. 

SF State Housing understands that going through the application can be stressful and confusing for students with matters around gender identity. SF State Housing will not ask for any more information than is required to meet students housing needs and all information is strictly confidential. 

SF State Housing will make every effort to honor all reasonable accommodation(s) requests; however, accommodation requests will not circumvent the housing waitlist. All applicants are housed on a first come first served basis. Questions about the application process can be directed to the Student Housing Office, housing@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-1067.

Gender-inclusive Housing

Gender inclusive housing opportunities are available within SF State Housing. While any student may request gender-inclusive housing, placement priority will be given to students who notify SF State Housing that they require accommodations based on their gender identity or expression. 

Gender inclusive housing generally exists in the Towers at Centennial Square and University Park South (UPS); however, gender inclusive housing options may be available in other housing areas and is determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Gender inclusive housing allows same-gender roommates, opposite-gender roommates, or other gender-identity roommate pairings, regardless of biological sex. (To clarify, gender identities are numerous and include man, woman, transgender, and gender non-conforming). 

The Towers and UPS feature single-person restroom and shower facilities, providing privacy for every resident. Visit the housing website to view Towers and UPS living space. All residents within gender inclusive housing, like those of any other SFSU residence hall, must adhere to common standards of civility and respect regarding diverse gender identities/expressions.

Preferred Name Usage

Students who wish to change the name listed on their Housing account to a preferred name may contact the Housing Business Office. Requests must be submitted in writing, either by emailing housing@sfsu.edu or visiting the Housing Business Office in Mary Ward Hall. Please note that while uncommon, changing the name on your Housing account may result in certain complications, including the following:

• The SFSU OneCard (University ID card) is issued under the student's "legal name" as listed on their University application. For more information about preferred names on the Onecard, be sure to visit the SFSU OneCard website.
• Any refund from the SFSU Bursar's Office related to Housing will be issued under the student’s “legal name”.

Harassment, Bullying and Title IX

San Francisco State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in its education programs or activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Title IX protects all people regardless of their gender or gender identity from sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and violence.

For complete information and resources, visit the SFSU Office for Civil Rights and Title IX page.

All-Gender Restrooms

All-Gender Restrooms are located across campus. View the All-Gender Restroom Directory on the SFSU Office for Civil Rights and Title IX page.