published on 04/29/05

Gender and the VSA

During the VSA presidential debates, candidates were asked what they thought about the lack of females applying for the position. In response, VSA President-Elect Rick Rodems ’06 noted that the year that Vassar went co-ed in 1969, the students elected a male president. So how far have we come? A look at the VSA presidents and boards from a few years ago sees a different pattern in gender. Of the 23 positions on 2004-2005 VSA Council, 12 were filled by women. Indeed, of the last five VSA presidents, two were female: Adrienn Lanczos ’02 (President 2001-2002) and Laura Robertson (President 2003-2004). But while females may remain around 50%, there is a difference in their positions: women were more likely to be house president, and men were more likely to be their individual class president. Is gender an issue for VSA positions?

—John Palmer, Senior Editor

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Posted by Tucker Hughes

It should be pointed out though that if you look at the past 7 VSA Presidents, that 4 have been female. I don't know how much it matters, but it doesn't make the situation look quite as dire.

Posted on May 11, 2005 12:05 AM