Women's Center move to Theta Xi house leaves many at U. unsatisfied

While some students praise the Penn Women's Center's anticipated move into the old Theta Xi fraternity house, others are concerned about the Center's political agenda. Some women have said the Center does not represent the majority of women on campus, and others say the move will not make the Walk a less intimidating environment. "My estimate is that less than one percent of all women [at the University] have ever stepped foot in the Women's Center," Undergraduate Assembly member Dan Debicella said. "The Theta Xi house, if you really want to diversify the Walk, should be something that all students can use, like a coffee house." The Commission on Strengthening the Community -- whose report was issued last week -- recommended that the house become a coffee house under the auspices of The Book Store. But Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum has not ruled this option out. When she announced the move Monday, she said the Center will share the house with another tenant yet to be determined. "The people who go to the Women's Center are probably a group of 50 women or so, and they typically have their own agenda," Debicella, a Wharton sophomore, added. "Typically they're left of mainstream. I don't know if I would go so far as to call them radicals, but they're left of center." College senior Maura Mimnagh, who is anti-abortion, said she does not think the Women's Center will be a home for women on the Walk, which she feels is needed. "I don't identify myself with the views of the Penn Women's Center," Mimnagh said. "If you're looking for something on the Walk that fairly represents the women on campus, the Women's Center isn't it." Jeremy Chiappetta, president of the Newman Council, said the women's center does not address issues faced by many Catholic women. "To have a diverse Walk could mean having a row of special interest groups," the College junior said. "I would like to see organizations where everyone is welcome." Clare McAnany agrees with the views of the Women's Center, but said she could see how it would make the Walk uncomfortable for Catholic women like her. "I think some people -- men and women -- are offended by the Women's Center's standpoint," the Nursing senior said. "What's the point of moving it there? Maybe they should move the College administration office over there." Orthodox Jewish students have also expressed concern with a perception of a political agenda at the center of campus. "I imagine that women that have the views of traditional Orthodox Judaism would not be making much use of the Women's Center," Graduate student Howard Geyer said. "What goes on behind the doors of the buildings of Locust Walk should not be made to make an individual feel uncomfortable on Locust Walk, as long as it stays behind closed doors," he added. Rabbi Ephraim Levin, of the Lubavitch House said, "I would hope that people [who feel uncomfortable] could work with the Women's Center." Some students, however, are staunchly in favor of the center. Panhellenic Council President Suzanne Rosenberg, whose organization campaigned for a sorority house to be placed at 3643 Locust Walk, said she supports the move. And Lesbian Gay Bisexual Alliance co-Chairperson Jodi Bromberg echoed her sentiments. "It has taken 250 years, but hey, Locust Walk wasn't built in a day," said Bromberg, a College senior. "By choosing to put the Women's Center on the walk, the administration is sending a clear message to the University about the value of women in our community. "I hope they continue this trend into the future whenever possible," she added. Debra Pickett, leadership team member of the Women's Alliance, agreed. "I'm ecstatic," the College junior said. "I am very, very pleased. "At the risk of sounding totally demanding, I don't think this is enough to diversify the Walk," Pickett said. "But it's a step in the right direction."