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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Miller Place man accused of driving high, killing bicyclist heads to court
Miller Place man accused of driving high, killing bicyclist heads to court
The Miller Place man accused of driving high on drugs and killing a bicyclist will head to court tod
The Miller Place man accused of driving high on drugs and killing a bicyclist will head to court tod
Vote: School Spirit Showdown Top 12
Vote: School Spirit Showdown Top 12
Let the battle for bragging rights begin! It's time to prove that your school RULES!
Let the battle for bragging rights begin! News 12 Long Island is launching a new series, School Spirit Showdown! It's time to prove that your school RULES!
Let the battle for bragging rights begin! News 12 Long Island is launching a new series, School Spirit Showdown! It's time to prove that your school RULES!
Memorial being held in Brentwood for anti-gang activist Evelyn Rodriguez
Memorial being held in Brentwood for anti-gang activist Evelyn Rodriguez
A tribute will be held tonight to honor an anti-gang activist from Suffolk who died hours before a vigil for her slain daughter.
A tribute will be held tonight to honor an anti-gang activist from Suffolk who died hours before a vigil for her slain daughter.
Suffolk police officer injured after cruiser crash in Patchogue
Suffolk police officer injured after cruiser crash in Patchogue
A Suffolk police officer was taken to the hospital after a crash early Sunday morning.
A Suffolk police officer was taken to the hospital after a crash early Sunday morning.
Police: More than 100 vehicles blocked Yaphank roadway for racing
Police: More than 100 vehicles blocked Yaphank roadway for racing
A wild scene in Yaphank Saturday into Sunday after more than 100 vehicles allegedly shut down a roadway for racing.
A wild scene in Yaphank Saturday into Sunday after more than 100 vehicles allegedly shut down a roadway for racing.
Poll: Innergize Day
Poll: Innergize Day
Innergize Day is observed annually on the day after the Autumnal Equinox. How do you relax?
Innergize Day is observed annually on the day after the Autumnal Equinox. How do you relax?
Innergize Day is observed annually on the day after the Autumnal Equinox. How do you relax?
Plan to house nonviolent juvenile offenders in Syosset meets opposition
Plan to house nonviolent juvenile offenders in Syosset meets opposition
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A plan to house nonviolent juvenile offenders in a facility in Syosset is not sitting well with neighbors.
A plan to house nonviolent juvenile offenders in a facility in Syosset is not sitting well with neighbors.
A plan to house nonviolent juvenile offenders in a facility in Syosset is not sitting well with neighbors.
AP source: Kavanaugh, Ford agree to testify on Thursday
AP source: Kavanaugh, Ford agree to testify on Thursday
Christine Blasey Ford wants to resume negotiations over the exact terms of her appearance, her lawyers said Saturday. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
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A tentative agreement was reached Saturday for the Senate Judiciary Committee to hear testimony Thursday from Christine Blasey Ford, the woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault from decades ago, according to two people briefed on the matter.
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A teenage cancer survivor got the surprise of a lifetime to celebrate his remission.
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A teenage cancer survivor got the surprise of a lifetime to celebrate his remission.
Drag Queen Story Hour draws protesters in Port Jefferson
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People lined outside the Port Jefferson Library Saturday to protest an event that is designed to teach children about diversity through literature.
People lined outside the Port Jefferson Library Saturday to protest an event that is designed to teach children about diversity through literature.
People lined outside the Port Jefferson Library Saturday to protest an event that is designed to teach children about diversity through literature.
EducationMore>>
G.R.E.A.T. program teaches students to stay away from gangs
G.R.E.A.T. program teaches students to stay away from gangs
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A national program aimed at preventing bullying, drug use, violence and gangs in schools is hitting Long Island.
A national program aimed at preventing bullying, drug use, violence and gangs in schools is hitting Long Island.
Nassau County launches anti-bullying website
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Nassau County unveiled an anti-bullying website Wednesday that provides helpful links defining bullying and resources to prevent it.
Nassau County unveiled an anti-bullying website Wednesday that provides helpful links defining bullying and resources to prevent it.
Nassau County unveiled an anti-bullying website Wednesday that provides helpful links defining bullying and resources to prevent it.
Dismissal woes at Central Islip school frustrate parents
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The dismissal process at Mulligan Elementary School in Central Islip has some parents frustrated during the first week back to school.
LGBT Network: More needs to be done for LI transgender students
LGBT Network: More needs to be done for LI transgender students
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Students at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School were informed about a gender-neutral, single-stall restroom located in the school’s nursing office with the goal of creating a safe environment for transgender students.
Students at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School were informed about a gender-neutral, single-stall restroom located in the school’s nursing office with the goal of creating a safe environment for transgender students.
Students at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School were informed about a gender-neutral, single-stall restroom located in the school’s nursing office with the goal of creating a safe environment for transgender students.
Lynbrook continues to teach cursive handwriting despite no state requirement
Lynbrook continues to teach cursive handwriting despite no state requirement
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Some say it's a dying art, but learning how to write in cursive is alive and well in the Lynbrook School District.
Some say it's a dying art, but learning how to write in cursive is alive and well in the Lynbrook School District.
Bus company, William Floyd School District come to agreement
Bus company, William Floyd School District come to agreement
The William Floyd Board of Education is holding an emergency meeting tonight to approve an agreement with First Student bus company on the large-bus contract.
The William Floyd Board of Education is holding an emergency meeting tonight to approve an agreement with First Student bus company on the large-bus contract.
The William Floyd Board of Education is holding an emergency meeting tonight to approve an agreement with First Student bus company on the large-bus contract.
Long Island classrooms experience digital divide
Long Island classrooms experience digital divide
While some schools, such as Southside High School in Rockville Centre, have access to plenty of technology, other districts have a hard time affording it.
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While some schools, such as Southside High School in Rockville Centre, have access to plenty of technology, other districts have a hard time affording it.
Mother claims Sachem busing change puts daughters at risk
Mother claims Sachem busing change puts daughters at risk
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A mother in Ronkonkoma is claiming that a change to busing policy in Sachem School District will put her three young daughters and other children in her community at risk.
A mother in Ronkonkoma is claiming that a change to busing policy in Sachem School District will put her three young daughters and other children in her community at risk.
State Board of Regents to consider changing graduation requirements
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While it was the first day of school for many districts across Long Island, the New York State Board of Regents is considering changes to the requirements for graduation at the end of the school year.
While it was the first day of school for many districts across Long Island, the New York State Board of Regents is considering changes to the requirements for graduation at the end of the school year.
District urges parents to make contingency plans amid bus dispute
District urges parents to make contingency plans amid bus dispute
Families in the William Floyd School District are being urged to make contingency transportation plans ahead of the start of school next week, after a renewed effort to secure bus service for students failed.
Families in the William Floyd School District are being urged to make contingency transportation plans ahead of the start of school next week, after a renewed effort to secure bus service for students failed.
Families in the William Floyd School District are being urged to make contingency transportation plans ahead of the start of school next week, after a renewed effort to secure bus service for students failed.
SlideshowsSlideshowsMore>>
Dog Day Fridays for September 21
Dog Day Fridays for September 21
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Jake's Rescue Ranch. The shelter can be contacted via their website or jakesrescueranch@gmail.com.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Jake's Rescue Ranch. The shelter can be contacted via their website or jakesrescueranch@gmail.com.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Jake's Rescue Ranch. The shelter can be contacted via their website or jakesrescueranch@gmail.com.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Jake's Rescue Ranch. The shelter can be contacted via their website or jakesrescueranch@gmail.com.
70th Emmy Awards
70th Emmy Awards
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Dog Day Fridays for September 14
Dog Day Fridays for September 14
Madison was found wandering on the side of the road in Georgia after another 'rescue' scooped up all of her puppies and left her behind. Madison is an 18-month-old, 40-pound Pointer/Hound mix who is a gentle soul. She loves everyone she meets.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Ollie's Angels Animal Rescue. The shelter can be contacted via email at Info@olliesangelsanimalrescue.org.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Ollie's Angels Animal Rescue. The shelter can be contacted via email at Info@olliesangelsanimalrescue.org.
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!
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.
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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.
Got $1,100? Apple shows off its most expensive iPhone yet
Got $1,100? Apple shows off its most expensive iPhone yet
Apple's newest iPhone will again test the limits of how much people are willing to pay for the latest technology.
Apple's newest iPhone will again test the limits of how much people are willing to pay for the latest technology.
Florence ravages communities in the Carolinas
Florence ravages communities in the Carolinas
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina early Friday, pushing a life-threatening storm surge of floodwater miles inland and ripping apart buildings with screaming wind and pelting rain.
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina early Friday, pushing a life-threatening storm surge of floodwater miles inland and ripping apart buildings with screaming wind and pelting rain.
Dog Day Fridays for September 7
Dog Day Fridays for September 7
Tiger is a 2-year-old, male pittie/lab mix.
Tiger is a 2-year-old, male pittie/lab mix.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Pioneers for Animals Welfare Society, Inc. PAWS can be contacted through their website, or the phone at (631) 306-4616.
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Pioneers for Animals Welfare Society, Inc. PAWS can be contacted through their website, or the phone at (631) 306-4616.
Things To Do
Things To Do
Looking for something fun to do? Check our our guide of things to do in the tri-state area.
PHOTOS: Top-rated toys as voted on by kids
PHOTOS: Top-rated toys as voted on by kids
Walmart’s top-rated toys as voted on by kids
Walmart is trying fill the void left by the closing of toy-giant Toys ‘R’ Us.
Walmart is trying fill the void left by the closing of toy-giant Toys ‘R’ Us.
