The death of Newcomb College

For the second time in as many decades, powerful forces have attacked H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, the first women's college ever established as part of a university. In 1987, despite loud and prolonged protests, the Tulane University eliminated Newcomb's separate faculty. I was enrolled at a Tulane graduate program at the time, and was also teaching and interning at Tulane, so I felt very much a part of the grief-stricken women's community.

There was nothing anyone could do, but Newcomb College continued, though in a different form. Now the attempts to kill Newcomb have succeeded: As of July 1, the college will be shut down as part of Tulane president Scott Cowan's plan to restructure the university following $150 million worth of property losses and $153 million worth of income losses from Hurricane Katrina. The Tulane Board of Administrators unanimously approved Cowan's plan.

Women all over the country have protested, but to no avail. It is very sad to see a women's college with such a rich history shut down. Many people are familiar with Newcomb Pottery, a vital part of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the 19th Century. Lovely Rogers Memorial Chapel is located on the Newcomb Campus near a beautiful garden where I used to enjoy sitting. The feel of the entire Newcomb Campus is one of serenity and beauty.

Newcomb is not the only program to get the controversial ax. Tulane is also eliminating all but two of its engineering degrees.