University of Virginia Library

Letters To The Editor:

Lind's Views Draw Replies

I would like to take this time to
commend Rabin Randolph Lind
and the "Give A Damn Committee"
for taking a valid stand against
co-education. He stated the important
facts which indicate obvious
reasons for not bringing coeducation
to "the University." Yet
there are even more "less" important
facts surrounding the everyday
life at U.Va. that are going to
be effected.

Speaking for myself, I would
not have enrolled at the University
of Virginia under co-ed conditions.
Co-education means the demise of
"the gentleman's university," road
trips (which if sometimes inconvenient,
are still fun), and almost all
traditions surrounding U. Va. life.
And as Mr. Lind points out, it
greatly endangers the Honor System.

I realize the national movements
for educational reform, equality,
freedom, etc., etc.....are responsible
for this tragic move. But movements
of these kind, in the issue of
co-education at the University of
Virginia, are defeating their own
objectives. Freedom of choice is
being denied as soon as all major
educational institutions become
co-ed. A prospective student (male
or female) is being denied his freedom
of choice when there is no
choice. If he (she) wants a sex-segregated
university, where will he
(she) go?

The University of Virginia is one
of the last major institutions to
remain sex-segregated, and, as Mr.
Lind states, "is the last state supported,
sex-segregated college in the
nation."

It is not a matter of whether or
not we favor co-education, it is a
matter of providing variety, of allowing
freedom of choice.

Why don't we try to hold on to
our identity, and offer a choice?

Death Of Honor

Although I disagree with Mr.
Lind in his condemnation of coeducation
of Virginia (February 6),
his expressed concern for the welfare
of the University is commendable.

In his article he thought that
admitting women here would be
the death sentence for our unique
tradition, the honor system. But, I
feel, he has underrated the student
body in claiming that it would
choose chivalry over duty. If, as he
says, it is too apathetic to uphold
the honor code in mixed company,
then students do not deserve the
modern luxury of being trusted
when taking quizzes, etc. And if the
code cannot withstand the pressure
of admitting women then it is
certainly too fragile to be effective
among us for any length of time.

I propose that we find out just
how strong it is and how much
respect it draws from the students,
and accept the outcome. Admit
women and see if the honor system
is strengthened, which would enhance
our own pride in it; or is
destroyed, which would be preferable
over the existence of an
impotent one. Either full con
fidence must be placed in our
honor system and have it flourish,
or other modes of self government
should be sought.

Mr. Lind was correct in urging
caution as the University proceeds
to become more liberal. The establishment
of a "'State-U"' would
greatly disturb those of us who
choose Virginia on its unicality. But
the admittance of women would
not necessarily create a "megaversity"
out of Virginia. Adherence
to a selective process similar to that
used in evaluating male applicants
would retain the quality of thought
at the University. Virginia cannot
remain restricted in its service to a
few, qualified white men; but must
expand to achieve a more free and
open atmosphere which Mr. Jefferson
expected of a "true" university.

Then I recommend that the
Board of Visitors serious consider
opening the University to women
and strengthen our place of learning.

Parietal Rules

On Saturday the fifteenth, the
Board of Visitors will have the
opportunity to consider and hopefully
accept a proposal dealing with
responsible student control of student
affairs. Due to a clerical oversight,
the Board was unable to
consider this proposal at their last
meeting. It is unforeseeable that this
will occur again this Saturday and
we hope that the Board of Visitors
will act with reason in considering
this reasonable student request.

Although the Board of Visitors
may not be fully aware of it, unrest
and dissatisfaction are steadily
growing within the student body.
The lethargy attributed to the Virginia
gentleman is, in our opinion, a
result not so much of apathy as of
sullen resignation. It is within the
power of the Board at Saturday's
meeting to demonstrate their faith
in the students of the University by
approving the student council's proposal
on partial rules. We are
convinced that although this proposal
concerns only one area which
has been neglected in the past, a
favorable reaction by the Board of
Visitors will create a hitherto nonexistent
rapport between student
and trustee.
student committee for the right to
enjoy women