WOODS, ROGERS, MUSE, WALKER & THORNTON [address redacted] ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24004 TELEPHONE 7O3 [phone number redacted] DIRECT DIAL NUMBER [phone number redacted] October 4, 1983 Mr. John Wilson, President Washington & Lee University Lexington, Virginia 24450 Dear President Wilson: I read in yesterday's Roanoke Times of your intention to again review the question of whether or not Washington & Lee should become a co-educational university. As a 1967 graduate of W & L, I strongly endorse such a move for two reasons. First, W & L cannot hope to maintain its strong academic reputation if it continues to disqualify for admission approxi- mately half of all college applicants. Indeed, two of my law partners who graduated from W & L each have three daughters and no sons. Each of these graduates is a strong supporter of W & L and were the university co-ed, at least some of their six daughters would probably attend W & L. My wife also has a daughter (by a previous marriage) who would like to attend W & L since her father went there. In short, W & L's all male policy simply eliminates too many potential and enthusiastic applicants. Secondly, while as a student, I took full advantage of W & L's rather "sporty" image, as a parent I take a wholly different view of the matter. Looking back on things, I am amazed that I was not a casualty of W & L's other "tradition" of drinking and driving. Two of my friends were not so fortunate. Allowing women to attend W & L would not only greatly reduce the incidence of W & L students drinking and driving to pick up dates, but would otherwise go a long way toward creating a better balanced university atmosphere. I will always financially support W & L regardless of the decision that is made on this issue, but the outcome will [pb] Mr. John Wilson, President Page Two October 4, 1983 largely determine whether my children and many others will be allowed or encouraged to attend Washington & Lee in the future. Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter, and I look forward to hearing your address to our alumni group on October 26th. Very truly yours, [Clinton S Morse] Clinton S. Morse CSM/jah [pb] October 12, 1983 Mr. Clinton S. Morse Woods, Rogers, Muse, Walker & Thornton [address redacted] Roanoke, Virginia 24004 Dear Mr. Morse: Your good letter is much appreciated. You can be sure that I have had a few letters from alumni who would strongly prefer that the matter be left on the table, or even under it. I'm so pleased to have a balancing view. The matter has its complicated side and I do hope we can treat it with the seriousness and rational inquiry it warrants. I'm determined to do my part to see that that happens and I know the Board will too. In the meantime an enterprising student affixed "No Marthas" to George Washington's statue this morning. We can use a little of such wit along the way. I will look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, John D. Wilson President JDW/bcb bcc: Mr. Ballengee w/enclosure