Va. court upholds women's college move to coed

[flashl]

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A former all-women's college did not break a contract with female students when it decided to enroll men, a divided Virginia Supreme Court ruled Friday.

In a 5-2 decision, the court rejected a claim by nine female students at Randolph College — formerly Randolph-Macon Woman's College — that promotional materials and other publications promised them four years at an all-female institution.

Chief Justice Leroy R. Hassell Sr. wrote in the majority opinion that the court could find nothing in marketing materials promising the school would stay single-sex.

The decision affirmed Lynchburg Circuit Judge J. Leyburn Mosby Jr.'s dismissal of the lawsuit. The dissenting justices said dismissal was premature, and the students were entitled to a trial.

"We're all very relieved," Randolph College President John Klein said. "This seemingly endless litigation is now over."

USA Today

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I went to another all-women's college "up the road" from Randolph Macon.

Sweet Briar. I was accepted to both colleges and my father was determined that I go to either. I was initially resistant as I viewed the situation to being consigned to a convent for four years. But truth told, it was a good experience for me. The classes were small, sometimes only three other students, and I received individualized attention that eluded me in public schools. I did miss the presence of men and was irritated by the "perpetual gym class" aura, but I also was able to find "my voice" (no HRC allusions, please). If I had any doubts about the latter, when I attended law school 15 years later and I did participate in class, I heard male catcalls from the back several times.

I'm sure the decision for RM to become a co-ed school was a financial decision. I saw an article in the New York Times how several Seven Sister Schools are now soliciting in the Middle East as they offer the same-sex advantage for higher education that is the dealbreaker for which colleges the daughters in some families will attend, segregated from men in the classroom.

[geek_sabre]

2. I went to Sweet Briar as well

recent grad, was there the year RM-WC decided to switch. We had discussions at SBC as well about going co-ed, but the entire student body stood against it. From what I hear, there were many objections at RM-WC, particularly from alums, but the decision was ultimately financial. I don't know what will happen with the new president, but I hope you continue to support the school so they won't be forced to make that decision :)

[no_hypocrisy]

3. I do support Sweet Briar as much as I can. I even dropped in on the President

about a month ago, just to say hello and all that. Sweet Briar wouldn't be the same amazing institution were it to go co-ed. I'm hoping the Development Office can keep the school as it is.

:hi: