During the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, three major student governance groups at the University will be led by women for the first time in history. Harper Jones, Valentina Gonzalez, and Laura Howard are at the helm of the University Judiciary Committee, the Student Council, and the Honor Committee, respectively. They credit their predecessors as key influences on their leadership and recognize that while this milestone is significant, there’s still much work to do.
The University was the last public institution in the U.S. to embrace coeducation, which began its journey in 1920. However, women faced restrictions in fully participating in university life until 1972. This slow transition has paved the way for women to take on leadership roles in student governance, but it hasn’t always been easy.
The Honor Committee, established in 1842, took a long time to accept female leaders. Initially rooted in traditions that prioritized male leadership, it wasn’t until 1981 that Nancy Lyons became the first woman to chair the committee. Progress in the Student Council was similar; it wasn’t until 1984 that Carole Kirkland made history as its first female president.
The UJC was founded in 1955 to manage student conduct but saw its first female chair, Nancy H. Platt, only in 1980. Since then, out of 45 chairpersons, 17 have been women.
Today, these leaders aim to engage more students in their governance. Jones started her journey in the UJC during her first year, noticing areas where the committee could better support students’ understanding of their rights. She aims to improve transparency and accessibility. “Most students don’t see the conduct side of the University,” she says, emphasizing the need for awareness.
Gonzalez’s leadership stems from her grassroots experiences, particularly her work with underrepresented groups. She has focused on making the Student Council more accessible and improving support services for students needing help. Her involvement has made her realize the impact of community engagement.
Howard, initially unaware of the Honor Committee, joined after being encouraged by a roommate. She is working on refining a recently adopted multi-sanction system, which shifts away from strict penalties to a more educational approach. By engaging different student groups in discussions, she hopes to create a better understanding of this new system.
All three women acknowledge the mentors who shaped their leadership styles. Jones learned from past UJC chairs who emphasized connection, while Howard felt supported by Gabrielle Bray, who oversaw the Honor Committee’s recent changes. Gonzalez credits Tichara Robertson for her guidance during a challenging public leadership journey.
While it feels momentous to have female leaders in these important roles, they recognize that this is just one part of a larger struggle for inclusive representation. Jones points out that unpaid roles in student governance often limit participation for low-income students, who may have to prioritize work over these opportunities.
Today, the leaders aspire to show young women that they can succeed in leadership roles, reinforcing that true representation must go beyond symbolic gestures. Gonzalez expressed her feelings of pressure to appear polished, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing professionalism with authenticity in leadership.
Historical perspectives remind us that the definitions of honor and governance have changed. The Honor Committee previously resisted coeducation, fearing it might diminish its standards. However, as society evolves, so too does the culture within institutions.
In summary, while these leaders’ achievements mark a significant milestone, they are aware of the ongoing need for genuine representation and inclusivity in leadership. The journey toward equality in governance continues, with each generation reshaping the future for those who follow.
For more information on this topic, check out the University’s history on coeducation here.
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