Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 21, 1993 TAG: 9311210050
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"They're watching very carefully what happens in Virginia," said Thomas R. McDaniel, interim president of Converse College, a private women's college in Spartanburg.
Charged with exploring the state's public education options for women, the new committee - headed by a Citadel alumnus - was formed as the VMI case unfolded.
This week, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond ruled that a woman may attend day classes there while her lawsuit challenging The Citadel's all-male admissions policy is heard.
Guidance for the committee is coming, at least in part, from the 4th Circuit's decision on VMI that would allow a parallel, or creative, program for women if it passes constitutional muster. Mary Baldwin College in Staunton now is planning the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership, to be tested in U.S. District Court in January.
"I'm convinced that single-gender opportunities are important for a significant number of students, men and women. I think the court in the VMI case has said those institutions provide a legitimate service," said Frank Mood, committee chairman.
"I would particularly hate to see public policy saying we can only expend money on co-education," he said.
Public, single-sex education for women hasn't been available in South Carolina since 1972.
Mood said his 10-member committee, which has been meeting monthly since September, will report to the General Assembly in January with recommendations for solving the state's single-gender education-equity problem. It will certainly be following the court's action as hearings for the Mary Baldwin plan start Jan. 6, he said.
Both McDaniel and Peter T. Mitchell, president of the state's other women's college, Columbia College of South Carolina, have appeared before the committee. Is either interested in doing what Mary Baldwin College is doing in Virginia?
It would take an extraordinary circumstance, said Mitchell.
"We're not trying to be obstructionist, but we are making it very clear that our independent status, church affiliation, and ability to control our own destiny are of paramount concern. The issue of The Citadel is not an issue we created, and therefore we do not believe it's our responsibility and right to solve it," said Mitchell.
McDaniel says he can see both sides of the issue. It's an opportunity to fund a new program that could draw students and prestige, but it may come at the expense of a greater breakthrough - admitting women who may want to attend VMI.
What would he do, if approached with such a plan?
"I'd say, `Let's look at it. Let's discuss it. Let's weigh the pros and cons.'
"It's a double-edged sword."
by CNB