In March 1989, the Justice Department began investigating the admissions policy of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Summarizes the legal theories advanced by both the VMI Foundation and Virginia's woman attorney general in defense of VMI's all-male tradition. Compares past single-sex admission cases with the VMI arguments. (MLF)

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth District, although stopping short of ordering the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to admit women, ordered VMI to implement a program which comports with the requirements of equal protection. Offers an analysis of the Fourth Circuit's ruling, a discussion of important educational questions, and a…

No matter what social goals or federal laws exist, it will be a long time before the informal social environment in America's male-dominated colleges and universities will serve women students as well as men, suggests the president of Smith College. Until then "for women only" institutions are needed. (Author/LBH)

Reports on a study of the social construction of gender differences in classroom interactions during the first five years of a former women's college's transition to coeducation. Finds that the classroom interaction patterns of male and female professors and students were altered considerably by the transition. (CFR)

Describes the role of Emma Willard in encouraging the New York State legislature to provide state support for women's education. Discusses political and social issues in the mid-1800s and Willard's vision of a separate system of higher education for women. Outlines establishment of teacher education programs. (CFR)

News concerning women students and staff at colleges and universities, equity in education, and nontraditional careers for women is presented. Specific topics include: sexual harassment litigation; surveys concerning sexual harassment within the university and in the federal workplace; a reverse discrimination case in which a white female…