CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Board of Directors on Aug. 9 voted unanimously to ban gender-neutral housing on its 17 campuses.

The News and Observer in Raleigh reported that Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the NC Values Coalition, applauded the UNC Board of Directors for bringing “leadership” and “sanity” to on-campus housing policies. The newspaper said members of Campus Pride, a group that advocates on behalf of LGBT students, protested outside the meeting.

Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer described the board’s vote as “dangerous, reckless and unsafe” in a statement.

“Banning gender-inclusive housing on the 17 UNC system campuses does not serve the safety of any student,” he said.

“It is a dangerous, reckless and unsafe to take such a broad sweeping action,” said Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride. “Research shows that LGBT students experience heightened rates of harassment and discrimination at our colleges and universities, including in campus housing. Students should not have to feel unsafe or be fearful where they eat, sleep, and live on campus.”