University of Virginia Library

Optimistic Virginia Scott Awaits
November Coeducation Decision

By Debra Kroner
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

The University has a new Virginia.
Unlike the University, the new Virginia
does not consist of bricks and mortar or
venerated customs and traditions.
Virginia "Ginger" Scott is presently
involved in a court case concerning the
admission of women to the College.

According to the court order issued at
the September 29 hearing, Miss Scott
"... may continue and complete her course of
study in the College of Arts and Sciences in
Charlottesville subject to compliance with
standards applicable to all students."

"Like Any Other Student"

The interpretation attached by John C.
Lowe, Miss Scott's attorney, to this statement
is that his client is in the University for four
years, unless, of course, something happens that
would remove her from the list of qualified
students. In other words, if she fails, she will
be treated like any other student.

When the suffragette was asked in an
interview with The Cavalier Daily about the
decision of the judges, she confessed "I'm
reluctant to even comment on that. If I look at
it from my viewpoint, I'm disappointed because
I would have liked for them to have decided on
the question of constitutionality. But if I look
at it from the judges' viewpoint, then I can
understand why they want more time. I might
not be so sympathetic after the final hearing."

Submission Of Plan

Voicing a similar opinion, Mr. Lowe stated
that he is "really very pleased with the order,
however I'm disappointed that the court failed
to issue a final order Tuesday. I await with
interest the coeducation plan to be submitted
by the University."

The plan to which Mr. Lowe refers is one
that the University must submit to the federal
court concerning proposals on the admission of
women to the College. The constitutionality of
the University's policy will be reviewed in
November.

During the course of the interview with Miss
Scott, she voiced some of her opinions on the
different aspects of the University. One of the
traditions which found itself in the firing line of
Miss Scott's double-barrelled shotgun is the
Honor System.

"Blatant Inconsistencies"

"The honor thing seems to work here
though there are unjustifiable inconsistencies."
The most blatant inconsistency, in Miss Scott's
mind, is that it is now permissible to lie when
buying liquor. She feels that this "weakens the
whole system."

In addition, Miss Scott commented that "
An honor system is superfluous because honor
is something an individual should determine for
himself. A system should not be imposed on
him."

When questioned on the overall student
reception to her presence at the University,
Miss Scott commented that "there has been
some verbal abuse (from the student body), but
this gave me a chance to clarify my position. I'd
rather that students come out into the open
and approach me with their views than just
keep silent."

Grapple With Prejudices

Miss Scott is willing, even anxious, to
grapple with prejudices within the different
factions of the University.

Concerning the predominantly male student
body, Miss Scott feels that "Some of the
students feel threatened. Many students came
to the University because of its traditions, one
of those being all-maleness. Now I'm
sympathetic to a point, but this tradition
should be done away with when it means a
denial certain individuals' rights."

During the interview, Miss Scott sported
very casual attire. This led to a discussion of the
coat-and-tie tradition. "I don't see that dress is
especially relevant to what's happening in your
head." She expressed approval of those
students who have rejected the customary garbs
and turned instead to what she labels "more
comfortable clothes - bells and loose shirts."

"Freshman Junk"

As a general comment on her
contemporaries in her classes (she's taking "the
usual freshman junk"), Miss Scott sighed that
"Students seem fairly apathetic in class. A lot
of people just seem to be here to prepare for a
vocation. They don't look any further ahead."

She seems to hope that some of the apathy
dissolves before the October 15 Student
Moratorium. "I plan to strike. I'd like to be
more committed if I could find out precisely
what plans are being made." She sincerely
hopes that the University community will
support the class recession.

One of the essays required on the
application to the College is a discussion of the
applicant's most satisfying intellectual
experience. Miss Scott confessed that she would
consider suing the University her most fulfilling
intellectual experience.