By Ivy Rockmore PZ ’27

When I first decided to apply to Pitzer College, I was drawn in by its core values. Of all five, the one that stood out most to me was social responsibility.

The idea that my institution would be responsible for protecting me was foreign to me: I grew up as a transgender woman in the red state of Texas. I was used to schools demonizing me, questioning my ability to go to the bathroom — not caring for my well-being. Pitzer’s culture seemed refreshingly different from this demonization I faced back home.

So, I submitted my application and crossed my fingers. Weeks passed, and I got my acceptance letter. I was ecstatic. When June rolled around, Residence Life (ResLife)the housing office asked me to submit my housing application. I filled it out and completed the roommate compatibility form on the first day it was available. When the application asked what gender I preferred to live with, I specifically wrote that I was only comfortable living with women. I also requested that my roommates and suitemates be made aware beforehand that I was transgender in case of potential issues.

My parents, who were constantly forced to worry about my well-being in Texas, were reasonably concerned that I wouldn’t get placed with other women because I hadn’t legally changed my gender marker. But I assured them they had nothing to worry about. “Pitzer’s different,” I told them. “They specifically ask what gender you’re comfortable rooming with!”

For another month, I anxiously awaited my housing assignment. When I finally received the email, I raced to find out who my roommate was. I clicked the portal link. My throat felt dry and scratchy. My heart dropped.

Imagine my devastation when, despite these explicit requests, the Office of Residential Life placed me with three men. Tears streaming, I pushed to be reassigned. ResLife apologized for the error and fortunately placed me in a suite with women, for which I’m grateful. But the sadness lingered for weeks. How could such a specific, crucial accommodation be disregarded? Was this what social responsibility looked like in action?

Cisgender students don’t face this burden. I have spoken to dozens of cisgender women who requested to live with women for this piece, and they all said their requests were honored regarding the gender of their roommate.

When I arrived on campus, I met another trans woman in my class. Through casual conversation, I learned other trans students had to jump through similar hoops, even after making specific requests.

This issue matters for three key reasons.

First, this is an issue from a safety perspective. One’s living space is often the only refuge a transgender person has from constantly worrying about how they are being perceived in public. I am grateful that my randomly assigned roommate is trans-inclusive, but what would have happened if they were not comfortable living with a transgender person? This is why I specifically requested that my roommate be made aware that I was transgender before arriving on campus.

Yet, this did not happen. I had to disclose my gender identity status myself during move-in.

Second, while cisgender students have the privilege of being matched based on compatibility, I was matched based on an oversight. I adore my roommate, but the fact that we weren’t paired based on compatibility in living styles has created unnecessary difficulties. Our housing preference forms were not compared, making the adjustment harder since my roommate has a different living style than me.

Third, studies show that transgender people suffer from mental health issues at higher rates than the general population. Moving into college and adjusting to new housing is challenging for anyone, but the added stress of worrying about acceptance from peers should not compound that difficulty for transgender students.

I hope prospective trans admits to Pitzer’s Class of 2028 read this piece so they know their needs might not be met initially. While trans students shouldn’t have to face more barriers in housing, it’s the reality of Pitzer. I also hope ResLife learns from my story to prevent this mistake from happening in future cases.

Sometimes, I wish I lied. I wish I said my legal sex was female — were they really going to check? — and I would’ve avoided this all in the first place. I cherish my time at Pitzer, but I’m saddened by its failure to uphold social responsibility in all facets of the institution.