The Citadel’s First Woman Begins Taking Classes

Shannon Faulkner walked into a biology class at The Citadel on Thursday, becoming the first woman in the school’s 151-year history to take a class with the corps of cadets.

“It wasn’t like walking into any other class, when there are 30 guys in the class and you’re the only woman,” said Faulkner, who also celebrated her 19th birthday Thursday.

“My first day of class went well,” she said. “The cadets have spoken to me. I don’t think I’ll be having any problems.”

Faulkner did have one problem, however. She got a $10 ticket for parking in the faculty lot. She said she thought school officials told her she could park there.

Faulkner, who had all gender references removed from her high school transcript, first was accepted by the school, then was rejected when Citadel officials found out she is a woman.

She sued the state-supported military college last year, saying its all-male policy was unconstitutional.

A federal judge ruled that she could attend day classes, although not as a cadet, while her lawsuit proceeded. The Citadel went to the Supreme Court to try to keep her out, but Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist on Tuesday said she could attend classes.

The Citadel and the Virginia Military Institute are the nation’s only state-supported, all-male military colleges. VMI’s admissions policy is also being challenged in federal court.

Faulkner walked through a horde of reporters to Duckett Hall for her 8 a.m. biology class, a 75-minute lecture on plant reproduction. Cadets watched from the courtyard and the windows of Stevens Barracks across the street, yelling as she passed by.

“It’s real upsetting for a lot of the guys, but they have enough humor, enough spunk, to see it through,” said John Johnson, a junior cadet.

“It’s difficult. It’s going to be a change. But what happens is what happens,” senior Jay Hart said. Hart said he came to The Citadel for a single-sex education.

Several women shouted “Go Shannon” as Faulkner arrived.

Cynthia Fort, a high school student, said she came just to show her support. “She’s doing what is right. I think she’s very brave,” she said.