THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411200061
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLESTON, S.C. LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Shannon Faulkner, who has challenged The Citadel's all-male policy, made the school's worst-dressed list when she wore a gray cadet jacket to Glamour Magazine's Top 10 Women of the Year award ceremony.
Faulkner is suing to become the first woman in the state military school's cadet corps.
She posed in the jacket last week in New York as Glamour honored her for her strength and conviction.
``It is highly inappropriate to appear in public in a cadet uniform when you are not a member of the corps of cadets,'' said Rick Mill, a Citadel spokesman.
Faulkner said a former cadet gave the jacket to her about a month ago after she mentioned she would like to have one.
``I don't know exactly why he gave it to me but he did,'' she said. Faulkner would not identify the former cadet. She said only that ``we're friends and we grew up together.''
Cadets pay for their uniforms with their fees and after graduation can do with them as they please. The gray dress jacket is worn during parades and formal occasions.
``It is offensive to the members of the corps of cadets who maintain the highest and impeccable standards of personal appearance,'' Mill said.
``Cadets take pride in their uniforms and their appearance and it is unfortunate that a cadet blouse would be worn in that manner,'' he said.
Faulkner said it was the last time she would wear the uniform until she can join the corps.
``I wanted to wear it for the award ceremony in New York,'' she said. ``Other than that, I refuse to wear it . . . because inside I don't feel right wearing it.''
A federal judge has ordered Faulkner admitted to the corps. The college has appealed, and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., will hear arguments Dec. 6.
In the meantime, she is taking classes at the school under the judge's order, but she is not allowed to march with the corps.
KEYWORDS: WOMEN IN THE MILITARY THE CITADEL by CNB