Segregated Housing should be abolished, or at the very least severely limited. There detrimental effects of voluntary segregation far outweigh their positive side effects. Ethnic housing or housing based on religious beliefs  is an idea that tragically executes discrimination and separation. Colleges that use this ideal are simply moving backwards to a time where this kind of segregation was normal. This is not the idea that should be conveyed to students about grouping and circles of friends. College is all about mixing and intertwining different races and ethnicities. If college housing relies on separation and segregation, the opposite outcome of unity is achieved.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
"Each minority ethnic group is in a process of transition. Some groups are further on with creating an identity that is able to retain the distinctiveness of their respective cultures whilst also adapting to become an integral part of British society" (Joseph, 2000). In this conclusion by the Joseph Rowantree Foundation, the findings support the need for integral housing. Although this batch of research occurred in Britain, the main points still stand. All minorities are still assimilating, while trying to keep portions of their cultures alive. However, this want to stand apartide becomes a danger to the original culture and creates a devided nation. Integrated housing during one's college years is vital to create the single ideal "melting pot" of the United States of America. (Crevecoeur, 1782).

Instead, this constant segregation, particularly the chosen labeling of ethnic and religious housing in colleges, creates a "salad bowl" (Blair 1995) instead of a melting pot. In the single salad, there are many beautiful ingredients. However, these do not mesh into a smooth harmonious creation. The sad determination of ethinic minorities to balkanize within a single country disturbs those who forsee the results of these self-centered actions. (Davis 1997). What beauty or pride, can a nation have, when it is globally seen with interal discontent and incongrous views? There is a distinct lack of unity in a nation that chooses to segregate itself, by definintion. Why allow, even encourage, developing young adults to do this in their college experience?

Although some would argue that the Ethinic Housing is beneficial to those minorities who are homesick and struggling through their time at college (Parker, 1993)
the truth of the matter is that it is a destructive force in the following generations. It allows people to go through their impressionable youth without challanging their stereotypical notions of a race or religion. It coddles those who need exposure to the realities of the world. Ethnic housing stops interracial and inter-religious ties from forming. And in a world that needs cooperation, peace, and understanding, it works against these goals.


Blair, J. (1995). America: Melting pot or salad bowl? Voice of the people in America. http://www.bigissueground.com/politics/blair-meltingpotsaladbowl.shtml

Crevecoeur J. (1782). Letter from an American farmer and sketches of eighteenth century America.

Davis, D. (1997). College housing policies should avoid ethnic and religious balkanization. Patterns for college writing: a rhetorical reader and guide.  (pp 558-561). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Joseph Rowantree Foundation (2000). Ethinic diversity, neighborhoods, and housing. http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/foundations/110.asp

Parker, R. L. (1993).  Why special housing for ethnic students makes sense. Patterns for college writing: A rhetorical reader and guide (pp 553).  Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.