Hilda’s JCR votes in favour of men
St Hilda’s College is set to lose its all-female status
For the first time in its history, St Hilda’s JCR has voted in favour of admitting men at both staff and student level. In a referendum held last Thursday evening, 55 per cent of undergraduates agreed that the JCR should go mixed, and an overwhelming 77 per cent voted in favour of a mixed SCR body. The results, which effect a uturn in JCR policy, come after the governing body revealed plans at the end of last term to take the college mixed within two years.
JCR President Ailbhe Menton described the result as “significant from a historical viewpoint”, but said she was not surprised at the outcome. Rachael Agnew, who spoke in favour of the proposed change prior to the vote, said, “I am delighted at the outcome of the referendum. The problem with single sex status is that it is a solution to a problem that simply doesn’t exist any more.
The issue continues to provoke heated debate, with many remaining vehemently opposed to changes they say have been imposed from above without adequate consultation. First year Olivia Bailey highlighted the lack of women in prominent positions within the university, the continuing problem of the ‘finals gap’, and the fundamental right to be able to choose a single sex environment, as key reasons why the college should remain single sex.
These are arguments that are particularly resonant with members of the MCR, where the vast majority of students are strongly opposed to the changes. Many graduates are particularly unhappy with the way the SCR has responded to concerns. Debbie McVitty, a graduate studying English, noted, “At no time in the process of discussing the Strategic Agenda were any students consulted on their opinion.
The information has not been released to students, giving us no basis on which to determine whether the decision is in the best interests of the college.” Similar criticisms are put forward by Hilda’s student Sarah- Jane Fenton, who claimed, “When questioned closely on the cost of going mixed, no financial information other than a very dubious graph was produced. We are to make a judgement without any supporting material or evidence.
Students also claim that the persistent and divisive debate on the merits of going co-ed is proving damaging. McVitty said, “A distracted and divided SCR means that we lose opportunities for mentoring that are available in other colleges.” As a result of these concerns, the MCR is preparing an Alternative Strategic Agenda to present to the governing body.
A motion has already passed through the university-wide post-graduate assembly highlighting the problems and is due to be ratified by the Student Union on Friday. MCR President Claire Lynch says it is simplistic to assume that all the college’s problems can be solved by admitting men, and argues for a more considered approach. “I don’t think that 113 years of history should be wiped away in two hours of powerpoint presentations.
Despite requests from this newspaper, the Principal of St Hilda’s, Lady English, has not responded to the concerns raised by the MCR. Nor has she responded to student claims that presenting the change as something close to a fait accompli seems to be an attempt to silence dissenting voices. However, since The Oxford Student understands that two members of the governing body remain undecided, a fact that could tip the balance in any imminent vote, the debate looks set to continue.
2nd Mar 2006