University of Virginia Library

Penance

For some time we have been interested in
sharing with our readers some of the attitudes
of our predecessors as expressed in these
columns during the past several decades. We
believe the opinions which they expressed
represented fairly accurately the feelings and
attitudes of their readers. The editorials we
have unearthed from our archives presented
here are sometimes outrageous, sometimes
amusing, but they all reflect the atmosphere
at the University prior to some of the startling
changes of the past few years.

The excerpts below are on the subject of
women at the University. If there is any
interest, we might be persuaded to glean some
of the most memorable comments on other
topics later. But, as penance for the years of
neglect and contempt women have felt at the
University, we offer these selections in tribute
to their perseverance now that they have
finally come out on top.

Why More Coeds?

A university is for learning and discussion, but when it is co-educational it becomes a place for
playing and for love. So College Humor summed up the co-educational evil. The University is not yet a
place for playing and love, we are bold to say.

We have no objections to the particular group of women who study at Virginia. As students they
probably measure up to the best at colleges of their own sex. Yet we maintain that their coming here
in ever increasing numbers bodes no good for the University. Great universities are not
co-educational.... If Virginia draws more co-eds, and if the lure and lilt of the Lawn gives way to the
love-making atmosphere of the Midwestern campus, we advocate a second Rotunda fire and the
deletion of the last phrase, "founder of the University of Virginia", from Jefferson's epitaph.

Yale's Co-Ed Panic

Men of Yale, you have the sympathies of those who have fought the same battle but have lost. May
you successfully defend the last bulwark of the all-male college against the bobby-sox and hairpins.
May you keep Mory's safe for beer and preserve the purity of your 25th reunion.

Homecomings—1965

I just wanted to write you a letter before class to let you know how I am getting along in college,
and how I like it here at Virginia.

They have just built two real nice women's dormitories up here right next to Mary Munford, and I
am in one of them. They sure are nice. My roommate is from Pulaski and she is a real nice girl
(although she does pop her gum). I have made a lot of friends up here, but I am glad Alice and Jane
came up here from Martinsville with me. With Bill and John and all the old gang up here, it is just like
high school.

This afternoon is Homecomings and we are playing our big game with North Carolina State. I'm so
excited. I have been working with my sorority on our float for the big parade before the game. We are
working jointly with one of the frats (that's short for fraternities) and we should win first prize.

Tonight is the big Pan-Hel dance and I am all excited about it. I have a date with one of the football
players (he's so big and strong–his name is Joe.) Joe told me that now that Virginia is first in the ACC,
the team has a good chance to play some really big teams next year, like maybe Oklahoma or Ohio
State. He says our athletic program is as big as Maryland's now, and with the big new field house, we
can really go places. He says the alumni are really pouring money into the football team. (I'm so glad,
because I love Football–it's the only thing that matters.)

Joe and I date a lot. I'm so glad none of the boys can have cars up here now. They used to run
down to Sweetbriar and Hollins and all of those snobby girls' schools all the time, but now they have
to stay around here. I have a lot more dates.

I study a little every night, to keep my grades OK. All in all, college is very exciting, and I sure am
glad I came to our state U.

Council's Plan

Student Council's plan for the entertainment of ladies in the Alderman Road dormitories has been
finalized, pending action by Council next Tuesday night.

At first glance the proposal seems "mickey mouse", and is reminiscent only of high school rules or
regulations at girls' schools. Unfortunately, it is, in a way, mickey mouse, but it is, in addition, the
only way that students can get a chance to prove that they can be trusted without such heavy
restrictions.

With this proposal, the only grounds upon which the administration could possibly refuse approval
is the belief that girls should not, in any instance, be allowed in dormitories. If past experience is any
indication, we do not think that the proposal will be rejected solely on this basis.

Although complicated, this plan will work. And, if approval is given, students will have at least
gotten the proverbial foot in the door.