WORCESTER, Mass. -- Co-ed dorms are a standard feature on most college campuses, but what about students of the opposite sex sharing the same room?

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that next fall, Clark University in Worcester will become the latest campus to try gender-blind housing.

Jeffrey Chang, 19, is a sophomore at Clark University. He spearheaded the move toward the school's new gender-blind housing policy when he and a friend, who happened to be female, decided they wanted to share a dorm room, but Clark officials said no.

"People were shocked. We were shocked that there was a specific ban against it," Chang said.

There are 20 schools across the country that already offer gender-neutral living arrangements for their students. Chang outlined those policies in a 70-page proposal he submitted to convince officials that Clark should be the 21st.

"Having a policy that bans men and women from living together -- it's a double standard because if you think about it, same-sex couples are allowed to live together already," said Chang.

"I think what it has done instead is to be affirming of different lifestyles and allowing students to have the option to live with someone with whom they will truly be compatible," said Clark Dean of Students Denise Darrigrand.

Darrigrand said few students choose the gender-blind option and men and women who are dating rarely request it. Although Chang claimed his proposal has widespread support among the 1,700 students who use campus housing, Byron James is among those who question whether it will work.

"Some things, you know, guys do. Some things girls do. It can just make for some awkward situations. But, um, we'll see how it goes," said James.

The option, not open to freshmen, will be available next fall at five of Clark University's dorms. One dorm will remain for women only.