Villanova University, a private Catholic university in Pennsylvania, has scrubbed a number of gender identity options from a list for students to choose from in their housing application, the Daily Caller has learned.
A picture of a housing application posted on Twitter by reporter Mary Margaret Olohan shows a variety of gender options for students to choose from, including “two-spirit,” “gender fluid” and “gender queer.”
The university told the Caller the list has since been updated, and that the initial options were provided through an “outside vendor.”
“The latest version of the housing application included a more comprehensive list of gender identity options than Villanova typically uses; this default list was provided by an outside vendor and has since been updated,” the school told the Caller in a statement.
Housing application for incoming freshmen at @VillanovaU. Students can choose from options agender, bigender, gender neutral, gender queer, gender fluid, man, gender non-binary, gender non-conforming, woman, trans, two spirit, etc. pic.twitter.com/HLfUeSJTnN
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) April 23, 2023
“The Office of Residence Life is committed to ensuring every student feels comfortable and welcome in their on-campus housing situation. As part of our Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas—Truth, Unity and Love—Villanova seeks to be a welcoming and inclusive community that respects members of all backgrounds, identities and faiths,” the statement continued. (RELATED: Wyoming Parents Suing School For Allegedly Transitioning Daughter Behind Their Backs)
The school now offers three gender options for students using the housing application form — male, female and “non-binary.” Assistant vice president of communications Jon Gust told the Caller the options are consistent with those provided by the Common Application, the form Villanova uses for online applications.
The university’s Division of Student Life Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) says its mission is to “Plan and offer regular DEI and anti-racist trainings and educational opportunities for students and Student Life staff.”
Villanova University issued new guidance in 2022 that advocated for “gender inclusive” practices in language and curriculum. The guidance makes it easier for students to update their “chosen first name” and pronouns on Banner software used by the school and recommends adding a “Gender Inclusion statement” to course curriculum.