RICHMOND, Va.
A former all-women’s college did not break a contract with female students when it decided to enroll men, a divided Virginia Supreme Court ruled Friday.
In a 5-2 decision, the court rejected a claim by nine female students at Randolph College formerly Randolph-Macon Woman’s College that promotional materials and other publications promised them four years at an all-female institution.
Chief Justice Leroy R. Hassell Sr. wrote in the majority opinion that the court could find nothing in marketing materials promising the school would stay single-sex.
The decision affirmed Lynchburg Circuit Judge J. Leyburn Mosby Jr.’s dismissal of the lawsuit. The dissenting justices said dismissal was premature, and the students were entitled to a trial.
“We’re all very relieved,” Randolph College President John Klein said. “This seemingly endless litigation is now over.”
Klein said a student and some staff members rang the college bell to celebrate.
