Harvard University is “banning” single-sex organizations—but only ones that consist of only men.
Female organizations and clubs will be allowed to become “gender-focused.”
In May 2016, Harvard announced the ban on single-gender groups, claiming that the “propagated exclusionary values.” Under the rule, members of single-sex groups would be banned from participating in Harvard athletics, leadership positions, and scholarships.
But female students protested the policy, claiming it would negatively impact single-sex groups and target “spaces for women,” though they were, shockingly, regardless still in favor banning all-male groups in order to combat “elitism, classism, and exclusivity.”
After more than a year of debate, Harvard decided that move forward with the ban on single-sex organizations after all—but, as of now, only for all-male groups.
All-male groups would be immediately punished if they refused to admit women, while all-female groups will have at least a five-year grace period before they have to comply with the law. In addition, the female groups will still be able to host specific activities that are “gender-focused” in favor of women.
Harvard officials plan to start enforcing sanctions immediately.
