St Hilda’s hopes to go co-ed within two years
Hilda’s plans to open its gates to male students within two years
St Hilda’s College has confirmed that it hopes to admit men within two years. A recently published strategic review says the college cannot continue to provide teaching in all subjects or realise its goals if it remains single sex in the future. Members of the Governing Body will now work towards gaining the two thirds majority required to change the charter and statutes and begin the process of transition.
The arguments of those in favour of change have been gathering momentum as the cost of retaining university lectureships increases, together with “an increasingly negative perception of women’s colleges in the community”. However, the document admits there is still a “significant minority” of staff and alumni who strongly oppose the plans. The last vote on the issue, which took place in 2001, was so close that one Fellow, Dr Laura Newby, flew back from China to cast her ballot.
Lady English, Principle of the college, acknowledges the split in opinion. “Of those alumnae who have spoken or written to me about the Strategic Agenda, there have been a lot of positive responses, a number of alumnae who express regret at the proposed change but say that they believe it is the right course and then there are a few who are opposed.
Professor Hilda Brown, Fellow in German and an ex-Vice Principle of the college, is concerned about the “guerilla tactics” employed by Fellows who are resistant to change.“They are not in the best interests of St Hilda’s College, either financially or academically, and may therefore be incompatible with their Trustee status.” The report refutes any suggestion that the College is abandoning women, stating, “We want to build on the success of generations of our students.
We want to build a college that is relevant to their future and the future of generations to come.” The JCR will hear members of the SCR put forward their views at at forum which will take place during first week.. A further debate will take place in second week before a referendum in the sixth week of Hilary term, when the current JCR position against going mixed expires.
JCR President Ailbhe Menton told The Oxford Student: “I hope to work with the SCR to ensure that the students receive full and open information about the strategic agenda and its conclusions. I hope that students will be consulted on any further steps taken, especially should a vote be called at any point during this year.” She said so far the reaction among the student body had been mixed.
12th Jan 2005