DCI 201: Coeducation (Fall 2023)

Alumni:

During the crucial period from 1980 to 1984, alumni voices at Washington and Lee University overwhelmingly supported the shift towards coeducation. Russell Hewit '74, '77L wrote a letter to President Wilson emphasizing strong endorsement for coeducation, citing its potential to enhance education quality, foster diversity, and inclusivity, and attract top-tier students and faculty. Hewit countered common objections and urged President Wilson to spearhead the university's transformation into a coeducational institution, stating it was the right decision for the university's best interests. Arom Clinton Morse '67 also communicated his support for coeducation, highlighting the enthusiasm his daughters had for attending a coed W&L. He emphasized that this change would positively impact the school's image, traditions, and competitiveness in admissions by broadening the applicant pool. Edgar Shannon, an alumnus and former UVA president, voiced his backing for admitting women, underscoring how this move aligns with the university's pursuit of academic excellence and its ability to compete effectively with peer institutions. Mark Davis articulated his rationale for supporting coeducation by acknowledging the initial challenges but emphasizing its long-term benefits. He noted how remaining single-sex limited the applicant pool, driving away high-caliber students and athletes, ultimately positioning competitor schools like Davidson and Vanderbilt more advantageously. Overall, alumni echoed resounding support for coeducation, highlighting its manifold advantages and urging the university to embrace this change for its future success.

Students:

On-campus support for coeducation at Washington and Lee University steadily increased in the years leading up to the university's decision in 1985. "Dismissing the Obvious Piffle" (1983) criticized faculty opposition to coeducation as outdated, highlighting early student frustration with arguments against it. A 1983 Sociology thesis, which Student Survey revealed a significant majority of students (59.4%) supporting coeducation, a further referendum titled Frequency Best Interest Should W&L Go Coed further solidified the rising tide of student support with 57.7% voting in favor. Finally, a 1983 survey in the Alumni Magazine showed an even stronger majority (62.1%) supporting coeducation, citing "increased academic standards" as a key advantage. These documents provide compelling evidence of the growing and unwavering student support for coeducation at W&L. They not only show the rise in support but also reveal the motivations and justifications behind it, demonstrating that students saw coeducation not only as an inclusive move but also one that could enhance the university's academic environment. The voices of the students were instrumental in driving the university towards a historic decision that would forever change the landscape of W&L.