Stony Brook University offers gender-neutral dorms
Posted: Updated:Students began moving into their dorms Friday at Stony Brook University, and a growing number are choosing to live in gender-neutral housing.
Senior Derrick Wegner says he was a bit nervous when he first arrived at the school. As a transgender man, he says he was relieved to find gender-inclusive housing on campus.
"You're just accepted into this community that's already prepared for you," he says.
Stony Brook has had a gender-neutral housing program for 10 years. What started as a small program has grown to include about 200 students.
School officials say gender-inclusive housing is for everyone, meaning anyone of any gender can share the same dorm room. Even relatives of different genders can share the same suite.
Students must meet two requirements to participate in the program: they must be 18 years old and have to sign a contract agreeing to respect the gender identities of their neighbors.
For his senior year, Wegner is working as a resident advisor to make sure other students adjust to campus life, no matter their identity.
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Vandalism shatters memorial for LI Medal of Honor recipient
Vandalism shatters memorial for LI Medal of Honor recipient
An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005.
An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005.
An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005.
Beachgoers wary after multiple shark sightings
Beachgoers wary after multiple shark sightings
Jones Beach was temporarily shut down after a shark sighting, and two sharks were caught off Fire Island Thursday - just one day after two young people were apparently bitten.
Jones Beach was temporarily shut down after a shark sighting, and two sharks were caught off Fire Island Thursday - just one day after two young people were apparently bitten.
Jones Beach was temporarily shut down after a shark sighting, and two sharks were caught off Fire Island Thursday - just one day after two young people were apparently bitten.
News12/Newsday report: Nassau's open space purchases benefited insiders
News12/Newsday report: Nassau's open space purchases benefited insiders
In a Newsday/News 12 investigative report, it is revealed that many of the people who profited, had ties to county leaders or an influential environment lobbying group.
In a Newsday/News 12 investigative report, it is revealed that many of the people who profited, had ties to county leaders or an influential environment lobbying group.
State plan will bolster reefs around Long Island
State plan will bolster reefs around Long Island
The state will soon dump 75 tons of steel into Long Island waters for an artificial reef program aimed to support marine life.
The state will soon dump 75 tons of steel into Long Island waters for an artificial reef program aimed to support marine life.
The state will soon dump 75 tons of steel into Long Island waters for an artificial reef program aimed to support marine life.
Lindenhurst boy raises $600 for Wounded Warriors
Lindenhurst boy raises $600 for Wounded Warriors
A Lindenhurst boy’s act of kindness toward veterans and active duty service members on Long Island has made him the toast of the town.
A Lindenhurst boy’s act of kindness toward veterans and active duty service members on Long Island has made him the toast of the town.
A Lindenhurst boy’s act of kindness toward veterans and active duty service members on Long Island has made him the toast of the town.
A Lindenhurst boy’s act of kindness toward veterans and active duty service members on Long Island has made him the toast of the town.
Special Olympics athlete from Huntington honored
Special Olympics athlete from Huntington honored
Special Olympics athlete Angel Athenas received a hero’s welcome in Old Bethpage on Thursday, as she was honored by the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises.
Special Olympics athlete Angel Athenas received a hero’s welcome in Old Bethpage on Thursday, as she was honored by the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises.
Holocaust survivor thanks the doctors who saved his life
Holocaust survivor thanks the doctors who saved his life
Holocaust survivor Jack Betteil returned to North Shore University Hospital on Thursday to thank the doctors who saved his life.
Holocaust survivor Jack Betteil returned to North Shore University Hospital on Thursday to thank the doctors who saved his life.
Health officials: Longhorned tick could be coming to LI
Health officials: Longhorned tick could be coming to LI
Health officials say it's only a matter of time before the longhorned tick makes its way to Long Island.
Health officials say it's only a matter of time before the longhorned tick makes its way to Long Island.
Health officials say it's only a matter of time before the longhorned tick makes its way to Long Island.
Health officials say it's only a matter of time before the longhorned tick makes its way to Long Island.
Hempstead fills in 50,000th pothole of the year
Hempstead fills in 50,000th pothole of the year
Town Supervisor Laura Gillen joined road crews Thursday in Baldwin as they filled in its 50,000th pothole of the year.
Town Supervisor Laura Gillen joined road crews Thursday in Baldwin as they filled in its 50,000th pothole of the year.
Town Supervisor Laura Gillen joined road crews Thursday in Baldwin as they filled in its 50,000th pothole of the year.
Town Supervisor Laura Gillen joined road crews Thursday in Baldwin as they filled in its 50,000th pothole of the year.
Experts: Only 10 reported NY shark attacks in past 100 years
Experts: Only 10 reported NY shark attacks in past 100 years
Prior to Wednesday, there were only 10 reported shark attacks over the past 100 years of recorded history in all New York waters, experts say.
Prior to Wednesday, there were only 10 reported shark attacks over the past 100 years of recorded history in all New York waters, experts say.
Prior to Wednesday, there were only 10 reported shark attacks over the past 100 years of recorded history in all New York waters, experts say.
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LI students prepare to help revive houses in Puerto Rico
LI students prepare to help revive houses in Puerto Rico
About 50 Long Island college students are heading to Puerto Rico to help with recovery efforts more than a year after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
About 50 Long Island college students are heading to Puerto Rico to help with recovery efforts more than a year after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
About 50 Long Island college students are heading to Puerto Rico to help with recovery efforts more than a year after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
Board votes to shutter historic New Suffolk School
Board votes to shutter historic New Suffolk School
A historic East End school is expected to close due to financial issues.
A historic East End school is expected to close due to financial issues.
U.S. News and World Report names 7 LI schools best in the nation
U.S. News and World Report names 7 LI schools best in the nation
Jericho High School was ranked the highest on Long Island, followed by Garden City, Great Neck North and then Syosset.
Jericho High School was ranked the highest on Long Island, followed by Garden City, Great Neck North and then Syosset.
Teen arrested after threats found at Smithtown H.S. East
Teen arrested after threats found at Smithtown H.S. East
A threat against the junior prom at Smithtown High School East prompted extra security measures Friday and led to the arrest of a 15-year-old girl.
A threat against the junior prom at Smithtown High School East prompted extra security measures Friday and led to the arrest of a 15-year-old girl.
A threat against the junior prom at Smithtown High School East prompted extra security measures Friday and led to the arrest of a 15-year-old girl.
Taxpayers angry after district pays $153K for senior trip to Disney
Taxpayers angry after district pays $153K for senior trip to Disney
Most of the senior class at Shoreham-Wading River High School went to Orlando last month, costing taxpayers nearly $153,000.
The trip to Disney World is a long-standing tradition. However, in the past the kids' families paid most costs and far fewer seniors came along.
The trip to Disney World is a long-standing tradition. However, in the past the kids' families paid most costs and far fewer seniors came along.
Security increased at Bellport H.S. after student slayings
Security increased at Bellport H.S. after student slayings
There was increased security Monday at Bellport High School as students returned to class for the first time since the suspected gang slayings of two classmates and two other men in a Central Islip park.
The bodies of Jorge Tigre, 18, and Justin Llivicura, 16, and two other young men were discovered in Central Islip last week.
The bodies of Jorge Tigre, 18, and Justin Llivicura, 16, and two other young men were discovered in Central Islip last week.
100,000 LI students expected to opt out of Common Core testing
100,000 LI students expected to opt out of Common Core testing
Common Core opponents expected about 100,000 Long Island students to opt out during the second day of testing Tuesday.
Common Core opponents expected about 100,000 Long Island students to opt out during the second day of testing Tuesday.
Common Core opponents expected about 100,000 Long Island students to opt out during the second day of testing Tuesday.
NY budget could cover college tuition for more students
NY budget could cover college tuition for more students
Lawmakers in Albany were close to approving a measure Wednesday that would provide free tuition at state colleges for eligible students.
Lawmakers in Albany were close to approving a measure Wednesday that would provide free tuition at state colleges for eligible students.
Lawmakers in Albany were close to approving a measure Wednesday that would provide free tuition at state colleges for eligible students.
Chaminade H.S. student accepted to all 8 Ivy League schools
Chaminade H.S. student accepted to all 8 Ivy League schools
A Chaminade High School student was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools – a feat his friends and teachers are not surprised by.
A Chaminade High School student was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools – a feat his friends and teachers are not surprised by. Jude Okonkwo, a senior with a 98.9 grade point average, says it's still sinking in. "It's emotional. I really don't know what to think. I didn't process it yet. But I mean I have initial feelings of gratitude for having these opportunities," he tells News 12 Long Island. Okonkwo is known for his writing skills as the editor of the...A Chaminade High School student was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools – a feat his friends and teachers are not surprised by. Jude Okonkwo, a senior with a 98.9 grade point average, says it's still sinking in. "It's emotional. I really don't know what to think. I didn't process it yet. But I mean I have initial feelings of gratitude for having these opportunities," he tells News 12 Long Island. Okonkwo is known for his writing skills as the editor of the...
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What's Cooking Photos
What's Cooking Photos
Chef Rob, of Uncle Giuseppe's, adds a little clarified butter, fresh herbs, some olive oil and, of course, salt and pepper, to season the steak. Add some roasted potatoes and sauteed broccoli rabe and some white wine to complete your perfect summer meal.
Chef Rob, of Uncle Giuseppe's, adds a little clarified butter, fresh herbs, some olive oil and, of course, salt and pepper, to season the steak. Add some roasted potatoes and sauteed broccoli rabe and some white wine to complete your perfect summer meal.
Each week, News 12's Lily Stolzberg heads into the kitchen with a different chef to cook up some delicious meals.
Each week, News 12's Lily Stolzberg heads into the kitchen with a different chef to cook up some delicious meals.
Just Married on Long Island
Just Married on Long Island
News 12 Long Island wants to announce your wedding. Share your pictures and videos with News 12 Long Island viewers!
News 12 Long Island wants to announce your wedding. Share your pictures and videos with News 12 Long Island viewers!
Trump and Putin hold summit in Helsinki
Trump and Putin hold summit in Helsinki
(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Sights and scenes at President Donald Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin in Helsinki, Finland, on Monday, July 16, 2018. Images via Getty.
Sights and scenes at President Donald Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin in Helsinki, Finland, on Monday, July 16, 2018. Images via Getty.
Surf Lodge in Montauk summer lineup
Surf Lodge in Montauk summer lineup
Various bands will perform at the Surf Lodge this summer.
Visit the Surf Lodge website for more information.
Various bands will perform at the Surf Lodge this summer.
Visit the Surf Lodge website for more information.
Guide: Where to find food trucks on Long Island
Guide: Where to find food trucks on Long Island
Rolling Smoke can be found across Long Island.
Rolling Smoke can be found across Long Island.
Craving something savory or sweet? It doesn't really matter when it comes to food trucks, where you can have it all -- you just have to know where to find them! Here is a list of food trucks and where you could find them on Long Island.
Craving something savory or sweet? It doesn't really matter when it comes to food trucks, where you can have it all -- you just have to know where to find them! Here is a list of food trucks and where you could find them on Long Island.
Guide: Long Island Breweries
Guide: Long Island Breweries
Brewery Guide
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the island for beer-lovers to visit.
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the island for beer-lovers to visit.
2018 Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill lineup
2018 Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill lineup
LIT will perform as part of the Loudwire's Gen-X Summer on Thursday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Other performers include Buckcherry, POD and Alien Ant Farm.
A look at the performers coming to the Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill in 2018.
A look at the performers coming to the Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill in 2018.
Dog Day Fridays for July 13
Dog Day Fridays for July 13
Franklin, a 4-month-old neutered male, was rescued off the streets of Puerto Rico. Franklin is great with all!
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption. The shelter is located at 646 Route 112 in Patchogue. Their phone number is (631) 627-3665.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption. The shelter is located at 646 Route 112 in Patchogue. Their phone number is (631) 627-3665.
Your Long Island fishing photos
Your Long Island fishing photos
Your Long Island Fishing Photos
Did you catch the big one? Prove it...no fish stories here! Tweet or Instagram your photos using #LIFish and we may put it in this gallery or show on air.
Did you catch the big one? Prove it...no fish stories here! Tweet or Instagram your photos using #LIFish and we may put it in this gallery or show on air.
Food Truck Friday Photos
Food Truck Friday Photos
On June 29, Opa On the Go stopped by to make some delicious Greek cuisine.
Check out which food trucks stopped by the News 12 Long Island studios this summer!
Check out which food trucks stopped by the News 12 Long Island studios this summer!
