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A transgender student at George Fox University, in Newburg, Ore., is requesting permission from the institution to move into the male dormitories after completing his sexual transition to become a man.

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“I have the right, as any other male, to live on campus with males,”Jayce M (pictured) told FOX 12 Oregon. “I’m going to fight for that.”

The university originally told him that he could not live with his male friends on-campus next year, but he could live in a single room or stay off-campus.

“We hope they’ll reconsider their initial decision,” said Paul Southwick, Jayce’s attorney. Southwick has recently filed a complaint with the Department of Education over the matter. Jayce has been living in the female dorms over the past year and during this time he completed his sexual transition. So far, Jayce’s battle has generated some support online. More than 16,000 people have signed a change.org petition asking that the university honor Jayce’s request.

“I think if they sit with the question long enough, of where should Jayce live, they’re going to land on the side of dignity,” said supporter AJ Mendoza.

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“It’s great that the conversation is finally happening for him, but it’s disappointing that it’s happening this way,” supporter Naomi Lee added.

George Fox told FOX 12 the following in a statement: “George Fox strives to be a Christ-centered community, and our residential facilities are single sex because of our theological commitments. The student’s request to switch from female-only on campus housing to male-only on campus housing is one that many institutions would struggle with.”

While Jayce hopes his fight doesn’t lead to a full investigation, he’s prepared for it.

“I’m hoping that the school will listen and grant me on-campus housing,” he said. “For the future, I hope that I’ll be able to pave the way for future transgender students as well as any other people that are being marginalized.”

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