<p>This is all very comforting.
I myself do not see a problem with theme housing although I understand why others do. I think an ideal scenario is one that allows individuals to develop different dimensions of their identities inside as well as outside of the classroom. As long as there is openness in the classroom and in other co-curricular events I think housing may pose less of a problem. </p>
<p>I work at a college that offers a multi-cultural hall (and that is the most diverse hall) but also offers students opportunties for themed grad ceremonies the night before graduation. Some of this is due to multiple languages and to large families (and we are limited to 8 graduation tickets per person). These ceremonies are open to all and promote a lot of intergroup support. </p>
<p>But the Swarthmore model seems interesting too and may work because of the diversity that they have worked hard to achieve.</p>