Should GW Have Separate Pool Hours for Muslim Women Students?

Photo by Albi

George Washington University has one recreational pool for all members of the university community. Recently, at the request of a few Muslim women students who, for religious reasons, will not use the pool while men are present, the University instituted a once-a-week female-only swimming hour.  During that time a female lifeguard will be on duty and the window in the door to the pool at Hel-Well (the Health and Wellness Center) will be covered so no man can get an inadvertent glimpse of the women who do not permit themselves to be viewed by men unveiled.

While this subject is already one of heated debate within the GW community and throughout the area (thanks to TBD for their reporting on this), we think it has implications for other schools and public facilities as well. What's your opinion? Was this a worthwhile accommodation for the university to have made? Or does it impinge upon the rights of male students to full access of the facilities? Does this action open the door to demands for separation in other facilities (in the gym or work-out rooms, for example)? In 2008 Harvard instituted female-only hours at one of its gyms in response to a request by some of its female Muslim students. (There are, however, other gyms at Harvard that remain open to men during those hours.)

You can vote in our poll as well as give us your thoughts below.