Court Says Deep Springs College May Admit Women

Deep Springs College, in a secluded valley in the eastern California desert, is a highly selective educational institution which has only 26 students. The nearest town is 40 miles from campus. Students agree to stay on campus during the full academic term. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

The college does not grant bachelor’s degrees but after two years at Deep Springs, a large percentage of the student body transfers to highly selective undergraduate institutions. Tuition at the two-year school is free. But all students are required to work 20 hours a week at the college’s cattle ranch and alfalfa farm.

The founder of the college, Lucien L. Nunn made a fortune providing electricity to miners throughout the West. He envisioned a college where young men could learn and govern themselves without the distractions of modern society. Throughout Deep Springs College’s 100-year history, only men have been admitted. However, in 2011 the trustees of the school voted to admit women.

Some alumni of Deep Spring College initiated litigation to stop the move toward co-education and the legal battle has been waged for the past six years. But now an appeals court has ruled that the college can move ahead with its plans to admit women. But the case may still be appealed to the California Supreme Court.