Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 5, 1993 TAG: 9303050371
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: THOMAS C. LINN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
SINGLE-SEX SCHOOLS ENSURE DIVERSITY
GEORGE Will's article (Feb. 1, "VMI can't count on an about-face") about VMI's diversity and government coercion is a sobering comment on the federal government's views of higher education. The Justice Department seeks an end to VMI's all-male status without regard for the broader consequences to education if it were to succeed.The VMI case is one of ironies. In his book "The Closing of the American Mind," Allan Bloom condemns education for its failure to provide moral direction for today's youth. But VMI stands in stark contrast. Harvard's David Reisman, America's most distinguished teacher, praises VMI for its "powerful" character development and uncommon ability to instill integrity, self-discipline, self-esteem and egalitarianism. The success of VMI's mission - "to produce educated and honorable men" - is measured in its graduates who range from Rhodes scholars to Nobel Peace Prize recipients. Nearly 500 VMI alumni fought and two died in the Gulf War - more per capita than any college - while the Justice Department unsuccessfully pressed its case in court.
At issue is VMI's methodology. In the name of abstract justice, United States attorneys assert that VMI's receipt of public funds requires women be admitted. But, women's demand for state military colleges is small; less than 300 attend such schools in the country. The irony of admitting the few who might attend is that VMI's desired character development would be lost. Institutions such as Wellesley, Morehouse, even military-recruit training, rely on a single-sex experience because it is the optimal development for many: It meets gender needs and enables a focus on academics and values. But, developmental education is not identical for men and women, as women's-studies expert Carol Gilligan and Reisman state. VMI relies on an intense, adversative system to draw out the total man, while women respond best to a more supportive system. As experienced at Wheaton and recognized at Mills College, coeducation eliminates the dedicated focus on a particular gender's development.
At a time when character development is deficient in education, the VMI case places at risk this nation's single-sex institutions. Already an endangered species, these schools number only 80 women's and five men's colleges. The majority are private, but all receive taxpayer support. Under the Justice Department's premise, many of these institutions may no longer qualify for government support. The unfortunate result will be the homogenizing of American education.
America's educational diversity ensures varying needs are met and single-sex schools are critical to this diversity. The fact that the state of Virginia supports an institution such as VMI reflects a more enlightened view of education than the superficiality of political correctness.
Thomas C. Linn of Stafford is a graduate of VMI and has had articles published in 10 defense journals.