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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 50

Co-education

page 145

Co-education.

Since 1868, girls have been admitted to the classes of the Missouri University. This experience is decidedly favorable.

The theory of the case may be enunciated thus:

Conceding that the work of education is a legitimate function of the State, and also, that the right of the girls to an education is as valid as that of the boys—then, either the State should provide for the girls the means of a separate education, relatively equal or equivalent to that provided for the boys, or else, admit them, on equal footing, to the same advantages. No question can be successfully raised over the competence of the State as an educator; nor, over the rights of the young women to educational provisions in their behalf, comporting with those made for the young men; and hence, it becomes the plain practical question: Whether the State is likely to provide such advantages separately? As there is no likelihood of this being done, we are shut up to the alternative of co-education in our State institutions, unless experience be adverse to the policy of it. However, as a matter of fact, experience favors it—15 years of experience here, in the Missouri University, favors it; not to speak of a like favorable experience on the part of others.

It is urged on parents, in placing their children at the University, sons and daughters, to come with them and to arrange with private families for a suitable domestic oversight and care. It is believed to be a great misfortune for youth of either sex to be isolated from proper domestic supervision, whilst in a course of education. May not reliance be placed on private families to provide accommodation for the students, equal to the growing demands of the University? The whole community thereby become the University community, and all prosper together. (For further information, see Ladies' Department, page 61.)