Housing advisor explains: Everyone has the right to be themselves
In this article series, a Hoas housing advisor introduces one of the Safely together principles – what it means in practice, and how you can help create a safe and respectful atmosphere in Hoas homes through your own actions.
Everyone has the right to be themselves
At Hoas, you can live without fear of discrimination or insults. Let’s respect one another and allow everyone to be who they are.
For many, student housing is the first experience of independent living, and there is a lot to learn. One of the most important things we should all value is everyone’s right to be themselves – regardless of their background, identity, or way of life.
Just like in life, when it comes to housing, we come across all kinds of people who are different from us. It’s important to remember that diversity is a strength, not a threat. As members of a community, we should nurture an atmosphere where everyone can be themselves without fear of discrimination or judgment. This means that things such as gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, health or personal values should never define a person’s worth. We all deserve equal treatment, and that’s why it’s essential to ensure that no one feels excluded or diminished in our housing communities.
Making this a reality requires active respect and openness from all of us. We should be willing to learn from one another, to understand different lifestyles, and to respect them – even if they differ from our own.
Practical tips for tenants
- Respect others’ identities: Everyone has their own background, experiences, and ways of life. It’s essential that everyone has the opportunity to live freely as themselves.
- Avoid assumptions and prejudice: Refrain from judging others based on their lifestyle. If you’re uncertain about something—such as cultural practices like dietary choices or clothing—it’s perfectly okay to ask questions, as long as you do so respectfully and with an open mind.
- Recognize your own biases: Reflect on how your cultural background and experiences might shape how you perceive others. True respect starts with yourself: if you respect your own identity, it reflects in how you treat others.
- Encourage openness and mutual understanding: If something is new to you, like another person’s faith or cultural values, be curious and open to learning. An open mind helps create an accepting and inclusive environment.
Example
If you notice that your roommate dresses in a certain way due to cultural reasons or has habits that differ from yours, avoid making assumptions. You might say:
“I’d love to hear more about your culture and how it shapes your life. Would you be open to sharing?” This shows that you value their culture and are willing to learn more.
The Safely together principles and article series are part of Hoas’s commitment to sustainability. We want to ensure that every tenant has the right to live equally, fairly, and as their authentic self.