THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 25, 1996 TAG: 9608260643
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 39 lines
Hampden-Sydney College stayed on the traditional high road Tuesday when its board of trustees voted for the school to remain all-male, bypassing the many temptations of coeducation.
Few single-sex colleges have had the same resolve. One by one, all-male colleges have reluctantly admitted women to bolster sagging admissions or to boost academic excellence. Only three private all-male colleges remain in the United States. All-female institutions have fared better - those number about 80.
Virginia Military Institute, a state school, was ordered to abandon its all-male tradition by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this summer and is expected to comply by next fall. Hampden-Sydney was not affected by this decision - the court specifically allowed for private single-sex schools.
While not for everyone, single-sex education is an option that ought to be preserved whenever possible. Ironically, at a time when single-sex education is on the decline, recent studies have shown the value of this tradition, especially for females.
But by limiting admissions to one sex, many private schools have watched applications and enrollment drop. This student shortage compounds the financial problems already facing many private colleges and universities. In 1950, fully 50 percent of American college students were enrolled in private institutions. Today that percentage has fallen to 20 and is dropping. Most of the decline is blamed on the cost of attending private-schools, which is significantly higher than the cost of education at public colleges and universities.
It would have been understandable if Hampden-Sydney had decided to abandon its 220-year all-male tradition.
The fact that the board chose to cling to its rich heritage of all-male education says something eloquent about this excellent college. Hampden-Sydney merits applause for retaining the all-male option in higher education. by CNB