Women's Center move creates controversy

Controversy continues to unfold over the proposed move of the Penn Women's Center to the former Theta Xi fraternity house. Many students and faculty from all realms of the political spectrum have characterized the Center as left of center on most issues, and University officials have not disagreed. "I think that we are very, very intent on really expanding the horizons for the Women's Center and making sure that it is seen as inclusive for men and women and people interested in women's issues," Interim President Claire Fagin said earlier this week. "When you have the type of environment that they will now have, it will be easier for them to be inclusive," she added. Fagin said the perception that the Women's Center only caters to a small group of activist women "is not something that's being ignored." "I think if that's what people feel, that's something that we want to hear and discuss," she added. Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum agreed, saying the Women's Center should expand "efforts to embrace all members of the community." And she added that Fagin and Women's Center Director Elena DiLapi are working to create "opportunities that [entice] as many members as possible to participate." In addition, students who traditionally would be part of a political coalition supporting the Women's Center have criticized it. Penn Pro-Choice President Scott Gallin said although he believes a women's center should be on Locust Walk, he does not think that organization should be the Penn Women's Center. "You have a situation where a lot of women on this campus feel alienated by the Women's Center," the College senior and former Daily Pennsylvanian Associate Editor said. "Whether it's right or wrong, they need to be more inclusive." "They're not really receptive to me, and I'm the co-chairperson of Penn Pro-Choice," Gallin said. "I don't think many people on this campus are anti-women, but I think many people on this campus are anti-Women's Center as it stands today." All this spells trouble for a women's center trying to be a viable campus resource. Currently, liberal organizations, on top of those with conservative agendas, feel the Women's Center is hostile territory. College junior Debra Pickett, co-chairperson of the Women's Alliance, expressed concern about the Center alienating some women students. "We're very concerned about the idea that's really come up in the past couple of weeks that people, especially women on campus, don't feel that the Women's Center is inclusive," Pickett said. "If they don't feel that they can use it, then that is something I'd like to address." Pickett added that the Women's Center has its roots in "feminist activism," which dates back to a 1973 women's sit-in at the University. "The Women's Center carries on that activist tradition, but perhaps that has led to misconceptions," she said. "Maybe they're not misconceptions that it's very much feminist, activist-oriented." As expected, representatives from such organizations as the Newman Center and College Republicans have said that the Women's Center does not represent the views or agendas of many of their women members. "I don't know if conservative women would be interested in that organization," College senior and College Republican Chairperson Dana Lynch said. "We have many women in our organization and I don't know any who are involved with that organization." Some faculty members also see the Women's Center as an exclusive group. "I think that one way to truly diversify the walk and diversify Penn would be to have a more politically and humanly inclusive women's center," History Professor Alan Kors said According to Kors, "the name 'Women's Center' suggests that it is representative of all Penn women and it's not." Students that have used the services that the Center offers, however, support its move to the former Theta Xi house. "It has helped me tremendously," College sophomore Andrea Nass said. "I've been using it for personal therapy." Nass added that, "They've been my total life support for the past year." DiLapi, who is out of town until next week, could not be reached for comment.