The Journey of Inclusion: When Ivy League Schools Began Admitting Women and Minorities

The Ivy League schools, long recognized for their prestigious education, have undergone transformations over the years to include more diverse student bodies. This article traces the history of these schools as they began to admit women and minorities, highlighting significant milestones and cultural shifts.

Early Initiations at Ivy League Schools

The idea of higher education for women and minorities was revolutionary in its time and remains a significant step in the history of these prestigious institutions. Let's delve into the timeline of these changes.

Cornell University

Cornell University was established with the belief that 'any person could find instruction in any subject.' However, the concept of women attending college was a novel one. The first large group of female students was admitted in 1875, marking a significant milestone in higher education for women.

Princeton University

Princeton University took a more gradual approach towards coeducation. It officially became fully coeducational in 1969, although a few women had been enrolled in the Critical Languages Program as early as the late 1960s. Prior to this, some were admitting small numbers of women through specific programs.

Harvard University and Radcliffe College

Harvard University has a longer history of admission of women. Radcliffe College, a women's college, was incorporated into Harvard in 1879. This merger brought more women into the academic fold, yet they continued to operate separately for some time. Gradually, they have merged more fully.

Columbia University and Barnard College

Columbia University made the decision to include Barnard College in 1889. Barnard, initially a women's college, has been integrated with Columbia, contributing to the broader academic community.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania also took a gradual path towards full coeducation. The College for Women was established in 1933, allowing some women to study alongside men, but the school did not fully become coeducational until 1974, nearly four decades later.

Brown University and Pembroke College

Brown University took a different approach when it merged with Pembroke College in 1971. Pembroke, founded in 1891, had long been a women's college. The merger marked a significant step towards full coeducation.

Yale University

The history of Yale in admitting women is particularly interesting. Some women were enrolled as early as 1869, but it would be another century before full coeducation was established. The first female students were admitted in 1969, marking a significant shift for the institution.

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College completed its journey towards coeducation in 1972. Prior to this, its admissions of women were sporadic and limited.

Educational Diversity in the Ivies

In terms of admitting minority students, the pace was similarly gradual. Cornell University admitted its first student of African descent in 1869, setting a precedent for other schools. Princeton, while admitting its first Black graduate under the government's wartime V-12 program in 1947, did not actively recruit qualified minorities until the 1960s and beyond.

The history of these schools is one of evolving attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. While initial steps were taken at various times, it was the 1960s and beyond that saw the more structured and active recruitment of women and minority students.

As institutions of higher learning, the Ivies continue to strive for educational diversity in an ever-changing world. Their histories offer valuable lessons and inspirations for future steps towards inclusivity and equity.