Women’s Only College Will Admit Men…And Plans To Segregate Classes

July 26, 2011 1:00 pm     Posted in College  Julianne-Carnegie Mellon University g+ page

Peace College, what used to be an all women’s college in North Carolina, recently announced they will soon begin admitting men to the school. Justifiably, some students and alumnae aren’t pleased—they made a conscious choice to attend an all women’s college and of course permitting men to campus will drastically change the environment of the institution.


By Julianne

This in itself is something to get upset about, as the younger students who may be affected by male enrollment are not receiving the education they are expecting and paying for. However, the situation gets much weirder.

The school also announced they plan to segregate classes based on gender. An apparent compromise that really will please no one. There will be single sex lessons, women’s only and men’s only classes.

Um, what?

To start, this may or may not even be legal under Title IX, a law which prevents gender segregation in some extra curriculars and electives. Apparently women would be able to register for men’s classes but I doubt anyone would cross over.

Regardless of legality, the reason behind the segregated classes is what really irks me. President of Peace college cites different “learning styles” between men and women as the reason for separate enrollment. The separated classes are not an attempt to preserve the single sex atmosphere Peace college used to boast, but rather because women and men learning differently. I’m no feminist, but aren’t we far past thinking things like this?

People learn differently, regardless of their sex. In my opinion there is no male or female way to learn things. And by classifying a type of teaching as male orientated, whatever that may be, women who identify best with that teaching style might be left in an awkward situation. Petition to join the male class that suits her better? Or remain the female class that may not be the best fit.

If Peace goes through with this plan, they will only succeed in creating a very bizarre environment. Men and women attending the same university, but not interacting in the classroom. What’s next? Segregated clubs or dining halls? As is, the plan is creating an exceedingly awkward middle ground between a single sex institution and a fully coed one.

I’m not sure why Peace decided to admit men in the first place (apparently it’s not for financial reasons). There are plenty of awesome single sex institutions that still exist and are successful in the country. What are your thoughts? Would you ever attend a single sex college or university? How do you feel about gender segregation?

8 Comments on "Women’s Only College Will Admit Men…And Plans To Segregate Classes"

  1. Katrina says:
    Tue, 26th Jul 20113:34 pm 

    Just to emphasize that not all classes at (William) Peace will be segregated, just classes where they think evidence supports a stronger learning environment in single-sex classrooms. There will be mixed-gender classes as well.

    As a student at Raleigh's only other women's college, it's sad to see our rival school "go" – it won't be the same. I would be horrified if Meredith College decided to follow in Peace's footsteps, as would many of my fellow Avenging Angels. I predict a very large drop in alumnae donations over this decision; what can the fundraisers say, give money to keep Peace as successful as it was when (the alumna) attended? It's going to be a completely different place, for better or worse.

    The worst part, however, is that Peace denied in January any plans to even consider going co-ed, and suddenly in July all the trustees are agreed? The students and faculty were left out of the process entirely, and that's the horrible thing. Who wants to go to any university or college where student input isn't part of major decisions?

  2. Kelly says:
    Tue, 26th Jul 20116:57 pm 

    Really, you're no feminist? So you don't believe in equal rights for women? Weird…

  3. criolle johnny says:
    Tue, 26th Jul 20117:27 pm 

    Women are so fragile that the mere presence of a (gasp) MAN would intimidate them AND their teacher. The very scent of testosterone would be disruptive.
    Now we can finally remove women from the military and police and fire departments using the legal precedents established by Peace.
    Or we could all pretend to be adults.
    Nah, never happen.

  4. Jenna says:
    Wed, 27th Jul 201110:07 am 

    Studies have shown that girls work best in an all girl's environment and Boys work best in a co-ed environment. This is why there are single sex high schools still in practice however I am not sure if these studies translate to University.

  5. Carrie says:
    Wed, 27th Jul 201112:30 pm 

    Thank you. I'd expect the person writing this piece to at least know the definition of the words she's using. I guess that was too much to ask.

  6. Casey says:
    Wed, 27th Jul 20111:17 pm 

    Oh come on! Everyone knows that word has a bad connotation. The vast majority of Americans believe in equal rights for women, enough to the point where it can go unsaid, leaving those who claim to be feminists seen as butch man hating crazies.

    It's not what the word means, but it's what people see when they hear it, so most people don't like to be associated with it. if you're a female in America you're probably for women's rights, so give the girl a break.

  7. Carrie says:
    Wed, 27th Jul 20119:13 pm 

    sidenote – I'm replying to Kelly, not Casey.

  8. Inda says:
    Wed, 11th Jul 201212:21 pm 

    Rarely do we think of having fun while we’re at work or bdinuilg our business all day. Being happy goes a long way towards harmony in our work and personal life attending play classes sounds like a great way to bring fun into our day.Thanks for letting us know they are as close as Owens Community College!

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