Coeducation (arguments against)

Resolution for Quota to Limit Female Students at Dickinson College, 1909

Date
February 25, 1909

On February 25, 1909 convened to discuss the system of coeducation and whether or not coeducation should be continued at Dickinson College. According to the committee, though men were ardently against coeducation at its onset in 1884, many male students are no longer "irritated" by the presence of women at Dickinson College. However, many male students and alumni were concerned that female students, "have won an altogether disproportionate share of College honors and prizes.

The Board of Trustees Appoints a Committee to Investigate the Abolition of Coeducation at Dickinson College, 1908

Date
February 12, 1908

In 1908, the Board of Trustees established a committee to investigate the "advisability of continuing the Co-education at Dickinson College and whether we should decrease or diminish the facilities accorded to women." Trustee C.H. Zug and H. C. King led the committee and were to present their findings at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees.

President McCauley Announces the Beginnings of Coeducation in his Report to the Board of Trustees

Date
June 26, 1883

In his annual report to the Board of Trustees, President McCauley announces the beginning of coeducation at Dickinson College. The President asserts that since the first conversations regarding the admittance of women, changes have been made to the college buildings. Such changes include the building of rooms in which to hold recitation. Previously, recitation was held in men's dormitories (a location women in which women were not permitted).

Presentation by the Committee on the Admission of Women

Date
June 27, 1883

Following its formation on June 26, 1883, the Committee on the Admission of Women presented its report on June 27, 1883. Trustee Alexander Gibson presented the report verbally. According to the minutes, "On motion consideration of the question was postponed for the present."

Committee on the Admission of Women

Date
June 26, 1883

On June 26, 1883 the Board of Trustees decided to form another Committee on the Admission of Women. Trustees Gibson, Bird, Young, Hill, Hendrickson, Fisk and McKeehan were appointed to the committee.

The Board of Trustees Discusses the Admission of Women with the Faculty

Date
June 27, 1878

At the previous meeting on June 27, 1878, the Board of Trustees decided to adopt a resolution allowing women to enroll at Dickinson College. They then sent the resolution to the Faculty for approval. After looking over the resolution, the Faculty agreed that the admission of women was not in the best interest of female students. According to the faculty, "there are certain proprieties & adaptations that can not be overlooked.

The Second "Committee on the Admission of Females," 1878

Date
June 25, 1878

Following the formation of the first "Committee on the Admission of Ladies" in 1876, a second "Committee on the Admission of Famales" was formed on June 25, 1878. The committee was comprised of three Trustees.

Board of Trustees' First Discussion of Coeducation

Date
June 28, 1876

During the second session of the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees in 1876, General James Fowler Rusling moved for the appointment of a committee of three to "consider the advisability of admitting ladies to the studies of the college or of making some provision for conferring degrees upon bodies." Rusling suggested that Colonel Wright, a member of the Board, lead the committee as Chairman. The motion was carried and the president appointed Colonel John Armstrong Wright, Charles Joseph Baker Esq., Reverend John Wilson to the committee.