Brown University is implementing a lottery system for residential theme and program houses, removing the ability of leaders to select residents. This change, according to a source, is a response to an agreement with the Trump administration, which aims to eliminate benefits based on protected characteristics. The lottery system will affect houses tailored to specific races, genders, and identities, but not Greek Houses or substance-free/recovery communities. Students and leaders express concerns about the impact on community and inclusivity, particularly within program houses like West House and Brown Women's Collective. The lottery system may hinder students' ability to connect with those who share their identity, as noted by members of La Casita, a Latine-focused house. Student advocates plan to push back against these changes, collaborating with groups like Brown Rise Up to protect these spaces.
