Editing RPI Becomes Coeducational (section)

=Trials=
In 1873, Elizabeth R. Buswell became the first woman to formally apply to be a student at RPI. However, via newspaper clipping, RPI's Professor Drowne urged Buswell not to continue her application as he believed "her position as the only lady student would not be pleasant." Ironically, it was stated that the "institute makes no discrimination in regard to sex". 

Buswell consequentially decided not to pursue her application. Later in 1918, once again the attempt for RPI to become coeducational was made. Alfred Renshaw, brother in-law to RPI President Ricketts, and RPI trustee created a motion to allow women to enroll at RPI, largely due to the loss of male students to WW1. However, Renshaw's motion lost and was followed by a counter motion by trustee Henry W. Hodge. Hodge's motion stated "resolved, that at the present time it is not advisable to allow the admission of women students," which was unanimously voted for by everyone but Renshaw.