From 1970 to today: the intersectional experiences of women at Hopkins

BY LEELA GEBO, Leisure Editor

She recalled instances when co-ed classrooms were addressed as “gentleman,” women were told they needed male supervision to play ping pong and women were medically treated in broom closets because men were already in on the University for greater racial diversity and more attention to the demands of the Black community at and around Hopkins.

Women were not permitted to attend Hopkins until 1970, when 90 women were admitted to the University.

Kulkoski spoke about the strong community that formed among the women at Hopkins.

Furthermore, students are working to ensure that women and nonbinary like the Female Leaders of Color have cohosted events such as the Men and Women of Color Symposium, which functioned as a professional networking space focusing on conversations about the intersection of race and gender.

In her 1974 commencement speech, Young spoke to the future of Hopkins women.

Like the women before her, Kulkoski found success and achievement at Hopkins, even working as an intern at Blue Shield in Washington, D.C. twice a week while also enrolled in classes at the University.

Even today, there is still a strong community of people on campus organizing for increased gender equality.

Last year, for instance, transgender rights advocates on campus protested coverage. While the University did expand its healthcare coverage, students noted that not all their demands have been met.

As the University continues to change, it is crucial that administrators listen to the calls of its student advocates and create a safer environment for people of all genders, races, religions, sexualities and identities.