In 1867, DePauw University adopted the then-controversial practice of admitting women into our fine institution.
In hindsight, it seems this policy is a no brainer. Women are not only equal to men in terms of mental aptitude and work ethic, but they actually attend college at higher rates than men and bring a key perspective to the classroom. Although we were over 50 years ahead compared to the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, it still seems shameful that at one point we as an institution would have discriminated against someone based on a trait they were born with.
But, the sad reality is that there is still an institution that has missed the memo about equality of the sexes by almost a century compared to the Nineteenth Amendment. Over half of our student body - any of you not graced with a Y chromosome - would be rejected by Wabash College's Admissions Office before your application got past the M / F question.
There may at one point have been a time for gender segregated higher education though that time is no more. The Wabash paradigm makes the statement that the institution still believes there is an advantage, thus a superiority to male only environment. We have no doubt that Wabash College is an outstanding institution (full disclosure: Stewart's father and uncle graduated from Wabash and another uncle from DePauw), with a tremendous record of success.
Look to the front page of their admissions website where it says, "Wabash challenges young men to take their lives seriously," How then, Wabash, can your own students take their lives seriously when they are in an environment that is far removed from reality? Liberal arts is about heated debate among viewpoints but open acceptance of all who come to the table. Wabash, DePauw and other liberal arts universities aim to construct a well-rounded human being that is capable of critical thinking, deep understanding and the ability effectively express one's opinions. Wabash however, immediately limits their students to the opinions of only other male students.
Women who are in similar situations - striving to earn a college degree, find their place and develop world views - are unable to offer their perspectives to the men of Wabash in a collegiate setting.
Therefore, when the day comes that August National Golf Club (a club that did not allow black members until 1990) allows women into their membership, so too should Wabash College.
The DePauw editors just reminded us that on Aug. 20, 2012 Augusta did admit for the first time, two women into their club. Your move, Wabash.
- Kirkpatrick is a junior from Overland Park, Kansas majoring in political science. Burns is a junior from West Lafayette majoring in political science.
