University of Virginia Library

Coed Threatens Law Suit
Against Jefferson Society

By RICHARD PETTY
and BILL PATTERSON

The Jefferson Literary and Debating
Society has been threatened with a
lawsuit if it fails to vote for the admission
of women to the society at its regular
meeting tomorrow.

Barbara K. Sugarman, a fourth-year
student in the School of Education, told
The Cavalier Daily, "I will bring a law suit
immediately if the vote is not favorable."
Mrs. Sugarman was interviewed by the
society last semester but was denied
membership.

"At the time I felt I was given a fair
interview and thought I might be
accepted," Mrs. Sugarman said. "When I
was not accepted solely on the basis of
my sex I was going to sue the society
then, but I was convinced to let Student
Council handle it."

"I think the society is being very
close-minded," Mrs. Sugarman stated.
"They are relegating women to the
position that Blacks held at the
University ten years ago."

Divided Issue

Members of the society are divided on
the issue of coeducation. Mike Lynn, a
current member, is a strong advocate for
the admission of women.

Mr. Lynn stated that "besides the
familiar issues of equality and giving
women the same opportunities at the
University that the men have, there is
another issue which is more practical."

"There is the important question of
the survival of the Jefferson Society in
the future," he continued. "The society
needs to take in the best possible
members, and they are often women."

Gentleman's Club

Alex Simon, a third year student and
current member of the Hall, is strongly
opposed to the movement to coeducate
the Jefferson Society. "The Hall has a
dual function to serve as a debating
society and a gentleman's club," Mr.
Simon said.

"The introduction of women," he
continued, "would completely alter the
atmosphere of the hall. The introduction
of women would cause the male members
to try to pick up the female members of
the Hall."

"As the University expands," Mr.
Simon stated, "women will have more
than adequate educational opportunities
without membership in the Hall."

"Coeducation is not necessary for the
survival of the Hall," he said. "The Hall
has better leadership in office this
semester than it has had in several years.
The Hall is performing its dual function."

Photo By Charley Sands

Barbara Sugarman

Threatens To Sue Jefferson Society