Coeducation at Washington and Lee University: A Social Systems Approach

Abstract

W&L is unique today, but twenty years ago, not only were most of the best private schools all-male, but even some public universities denied admission to women. Then, during the 1960's and 70's something happened, and the exclusive male schools opened their doors to females. It is not the aim of this paper to delve into the particular conditions which prompted those other schools into coeducation, rather, we need to explore and explain Washington and Lee's situation. Where does it fit into the trend away from single sex education? For all practical purposes, W&L stands as an island in a sea of coeducation. The question of why W&L has isolated itself is answerable, perhaps, if one discovers what information exists in the Special Coeducation Committee reports and self studies. In addition, one should consider, in depth, the sentiments of the students, faculty and alumni on the coeducation issue. He should try to examine the pressures both environmental and internal which influence W&L. Finally, through the use of various surveys, self studies, and personal interviews, one might speculate on the future of single-sex and what that future holds for W&L. Hopefully, the work contained in this thesis will prove to be valuable in the future as Washington and Lee struggles with the issue of whether or not to educate women. [From Introduction]