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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.
EducationMore>>
Obama-era guidance on campus sexual assault gets scrapped
Obama-era guidance on campus sexual assault gets scrapped
The Trump administration is scrapping Obama-era guidance on investigating campus sexual assault, replacing it with new interim instructions for universities.
The Trump administration is scrapping Obama-era guidance on investigating campus sexual assault, replacing it with new interim instructions for universities.
Districts say Cuomo gave no notice of anti-gang initiative
Districts say Cuomo gave no notice of anti-gang initiative
Two Long Island school districts say they weren’t informed ahead of time that they are slated to have state troopers patrolling hallways as part of a new anti-gang initiative.
Two Long Island school districts say they weren’t informed ahead of time that they are slated to have state troopers patrolling hallways as part of a new anti-gang initiative.
NY approves education plan to submit for federal approval
NY approves education plan to submit for federal approval
A committee for the State Board of Regents Monday approved a plan laying out the state's goals for its education system as required by the sweeping federal education law called the "Every Student Succeeds Act," also known as ESSA.
A committee for the State Board of Regents Monday approved a plan laying out the state's goals for its education system as required by the sweeping federal education law called the "Every Student Succeeds Act," also known as ESSA.
Brookhaven targets landlords to combat Stony Brook party houses
Brookhaven targets landlords to combat Stony Brook party houses
School is back in session, and that's a concern for many in the Stony Brook community with worries about off-campus housing for the university.
School is back in session, and that's a concern for many in the Stony Brook community with worries about off-campus housing for the university.
Hauppauge HS asst. principal criticized for dress code comments
Hauppauge HS asst. principal criticized for dress code comments
An assistant principal at Hauppauge High School is under fire for remarks made to the 10th-graders about the school’s dress code.
An assistant principal at Hauppauge High School is under fire for remarks made to the 10th-graders about the school’s dress code.
School in shadow of Brookhaven landfill opens amid health concerns
School in shadow of Brookhaven landfill opens amid health concerns
It was the first day of classes at Frank P. Long Intermediate School in Bellport Tuesday – worrying some parents, teachers and students about possible health risks at the facility.
It was the first day of classes at Frank P. Long Intermediate School in Bellport Tuesday – worrying some parents, teachers and students about possible health risks at the facility.
Summer vacation ends, school year begins across Long Island
Summer vacation ends, school year begins across Long Island
Believe it or not, summer vacation has ended – and teachers and students alike headed back to the classrooms for another school year.
Believe it or not, summer vacation has ended – and teachers and students alike headed back to the classrooms for another school year.
Westbury 9th-graders begin school year at NCC space
Westbury 9th-graders begin school year at NCC space
This morning, nearly 400 ninth-graders will be arriving at their new space at Nassau Community College in Garden City.
This morning, nearly 400 ninth-graders will be arriving at their new space at Nassau Community College in Garden City.
This morning, nearly 400 ninth-graders will be arriving at their new space at Nassau Community College in Garden City.
Bill would help provide Narcan to school districts across NY
Bill would help provide Narcan to school districts across NY
A proposed bill in the state Assembly would make Narcan kits more financially accessible for school districts across the state.
A proposed bill in the state Assembly would make Narcan kits more financially accessible for school districts across the state.
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.
Long Island Top StoriesMore>>
Uniondale man accused of taking pictures up woman's dress in Garden City
Uniondale man accused of taking pictures up woman's dress in Garden City
A Uniondale man was in court Sunday after being accused of taking pictures up a woman's dress, and police say it’s the second time this year he has been arrested on such charges.
A Uniondale man was in court Sunday after being accused of taking pictures up a woman's dress, and police say it’s the second time this year he has been arrested on such charges.
Forecast: Mostly sunny Monday with high temps around 82
Forecast: Mostly sunny Monday with high temps around 82
Play video for the full News 12 Long Island weather forecast.
Play video for the full News 12 Long Island weather forecast.
Long Island Haunted House Guide
Long Island Haunted House Guide
Looking for a good scare this Halloween? Check out some of the frightening haunted houses on Long Island.
Looking for a good scare this Halloween? Check out some of the frightening haunted houses on Long Island.
Fall skin care: How to protect your skin after the summer
Fall skin care: How to protect your skin after the summer
News 12's Elisa DiStefano learns about skin care for the fall.
News 12's Elisa DiStefano learns about skin care for the fall from Dr. Jeannette Graf.
News 12's Elisa DiStefano learns about skin care for the fall from Dr. Jeannette Graf.
Police: 3 teens robbed at knifepoint in Kings Park
Police: 3 teens robbed at knifepoint in Kings Park
Police say three teens were robbed at knifepoint in Kings Point Saturday night.
Police say three teens were robbed at knifepoint in Kings Point Saturday night.
Trump administration announces new travel ban
Trump administration announces new travel ban
Travelers from eight countries will face restrictions on entry to the U.S, ranging from a total ban to more targeted restrictions, under a new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump Sunday.
Travelers from eight countries will face restrictions on entry to the U.S, ranging from a total ban to more targeted restrictions, under a new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump Sunday.
News 12's Drew Scott signing off after decades of sharing LI stories
News 12's Drew Scott signing off after decades of sharing LI stories
News 12 Anchor and Reporter Drew Scott is signing off after decades of telling Long Islanders' stories.
News 12 Anchor and Reporter Drew Scott is signing off after decades of telling Long Islanders' stories.
Normally unified Nassau GOP shows signs of some tensions
Normally unified Nassau GOP shows signs of some tensions
In the Town of Hempstead, Supervisor Anthony Santino's ethics reform legislation has upset several of his fellow Republicans.
In the Town of Hempstead, Supervisor Anthony Santino's ethics reform legislation has upset several of his fellow Republicans.
Trump tweet, NFL response escalate drama of Sunday games
Trump tweet, NFL response escalate drama of Sunday games
The owners of the Baltimore Ravens, the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and other teams on Sunday joined a chorus of NFL executives criticizing President Donald Trump's suggestion that they fire players who kneel for the national anthem.
The owners of the Baltimore Ravens, the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and other teams on Sunday joined a chorus of NFL executives criticizing President Donald Trump's suggestion that they fire players who kneel for the national anthem.
Officials: 1 dead, 7 victims hurt in Tennessee church shooting
Officials: 1 dead, 7 victims hurt in Tennessee church shooting
Authorities in Tennessee say one person is dead and seven people sustained injuries after a gunman opened fire at a church in Nashville.
Authorities in Tennessee say one person is dead and seven people sustained injuries after a gunman opened fire at a church in Nashville.
SlideshowsSlideshowsMore>>
Photos: Fall skin care
Photos: Fall skin care
News 12's Elisa DiStefano learns about skin care for the fall.
News 12's Elisa DiStefano learns about skin care for the fall from Dr. Jeannette Graf.
News 12's Elisa DiStefano learns about skin care for the fall from Dr. Jeannette Graf.
Invictus Games for wounded soldiers get underway
Invictus Games for wounded soldiers get underway
The Invictus Games, an Olympics-style event for wounded and sick veterans, are the creation of Prince Harry, who got the inspiration to help injured military personnel and their families after his two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
The Invictus Games, an Olympics-style event for wounded and sick veterans, are the creation of Prince Harry, who got the inspiration to help injured military personnel and their families after his two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
New Apple products hit the shelves
New Apple products hit the shelves
The new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, as well as the updated Apple Watch and Apple TV, go on sale on Sept. 22, 2017.
The new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, as well as the updated Apple Watch and Apple TV, go on sale on Sept. 22, 2017.
#FallFunPics
#FallFunPics
Is fall your favorite season? Are you and your family doing fun things this fall? News 12 Long Island want to see your Fall Fun pics! Send them via Twitter or Instagram with the #FallFun and they might end up on air or on News12.com.
Is fall your favorite season? Are you and your family doing fun things this fall? News 12 Long Island want to see your Fall Fun pics! Send them via Twitter or Instagram with the #FallFun and they might end up on air or on News12.com.
Photos: Food Photo Faceoff
Photos: Food Photo Faceoff
Each week a different foodie picks their favorites and then you decide!
You've seen and voted on our foodie's favorite photos. Now, News 12 Long Island wants to see your food photos! Send them to us via Twitter or Instagram with the #FoodPhotoFaceoff and we may use them on air or on News12.com!
You've seen and voted on our foodie's favorite photos. Now, News 12 Long Island wants to see your food photos! Send them to us via Twitter or Instagram with the #FoodPhotoFaceoff and we may use them on air or on News12.com!
Photos: Yoga 101
Photos: Yoga 101
Yoga is a mind body system of practices designed to balance your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. The practice of yoga goes far beyond the physical if you approach it that way.
News 12's Stephanie Rose answers all your questions about how to get started in yoga!
News 12's Stephanie Rose answers all your questions about how to get started in yoga!
Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 storm early Wednesday near Yabucoa, Puerto Rico.
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 storm early Wednesday near Yabucoa, Puerto Rico.
Strong earthquake shakes central Mexico
Strong earthquake shakes central Mexico
Numerous buildings collapsed or suffered serious damage across central Mexico, and deaths were already being reported shortly after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
Numerous buildings collapsed or suffered serious damage across central Mexico, and deaths were already being reported shortly after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
Photos: 69th annual Emmy Awards
Photos: 69th annual Emmy Awards
Photos from the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards with host Stephen Colbert on Sept. 17, 2017.
Photos from the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards with host Stephen Colbert on Sept. 17, 2017.
11-year-old boy gets lawn-mowing gig at White House
11-year-old boy gets lawn-mowing gig at White House
An 11-year-old boy in khaki shorts and a red polo shirt got the lawn-mowing gig of a lifetime Friday when President Donald Trump put him to work in the Rose Garden.
An 11-year-old boy in khaki shorts and a red polo shirt got the lawn-mowing gig of a lifetime Friday when President Donald Trump put him to work in the Rose Garden.
