Fighting for feminism

By Jessica Alway

Santa Clara became California's first co-ed Catholic university in 1961. Today, students, faculty and staff still express a range of opinions about feminism on campus.

"Female students don't learn the problems they could face until they sit in a women's studies course," said sophomore business major Carlie Brown. "But then the message is lost for the men and only sent to the 50 women in the class. The best way to change the discrimination and mindset is to educate men."

History Professor Nancy Unger believes the university community is generally safe from gender injustice. The higher education system itself is one of the few institutions that is relatively less sexist, she said.

"There are many ways feminism is inculcated on campus," said Unger, who specializes in U.S. women's history and teaches several courses within the women's/gender program. "I think Santa Clara is a great example of feminism come to flower. I see a steady increase in female faculty members, and our male counterparts have shown great support for gender equality. I certainly see the glass as half full, but that does leave a considerable amount of room for improvement."

Since its creation in 1980, the women's/gender studies program has grown to encompass 40 faculty members and over 70 courses offered in a two-year cycle. The university core curriculum requires all undergraduate students to take a women's/gender or ethnic studies class before graduation. Fifteen students are currently working toward one. Two others are studying independently to major in the area.

"We have such a vibrant program," said program chair Barbara Molony. "The classes we offer cover a wide range of areas to allow students to combine interests for better understanding."

Yet, in comparison to other minors at Santa Clara, the program is relatively small. Many professors within the field believe misconception could account for the lack of interest.

Professor of philosophy Lawrence Nelson is teaching a gender ethics class for the first time this quarter.

"There aren't very many men on campus who would say they are feminist," said Nelson. "I am a feminist. But I know the word doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. To me it means accepting that women should be taken seriously, understanding they have been treated unjustly and accepting that the unjust treatment continues today and should stop."