Middlesex Superior Court Judge Martha Sosman ruled that Boston College may distribute class schedules which do not include descriptions of Professor Mary Daly’s courses.
The college had refused to include Daly’s descriptions because they were open only to female students. The college had ordered Daly to begin admitting men into her courses this spring after two male students threatened to sue the school for discrimination. Daly took a leave of absence this spring, and college officials insist that Daly had agreed to retire, a point that Daly denies.
Judge Sosman’s decision read, “A professor’s defiance of that policy — in this case, a vehement and very public defiance — would give the school ample grounds for her termination.” College spokesperson Jack Dunn said the school was pleased with decision, saying, “It seemed to be the logical course of action to take, given that (Daly’s) stated preference not to teach men is so clearly in violation of federal law.”
Daly has taught about 2 dozen men in separate, independent study course and believes that she has not violating Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and is acting in women’s best interested. Daly’s attorney, Gretchen Van Ness, cautioned that Judge Sosman’s ruling would adversely impact academic freedom.
