Gender is not a factor in tradition
Editorial
In light of Molly Kinder's acceptance as the first female member of the Irish Guard, the traditions of the Irish Guard and this University have come into debate. Some have questioned if Kinder can fulfill the duties of a Guard member. No one should doubt, however, if women in general can fulfill those duties.
Although a female member of the Guard changes its all-male history, it does not have to change the tradition of the Irish Guard as honorable representatives of the University. While there has never been a female member of the Irish Guard, the Irish Guard was not formed to represent malehood. The Irish Guard function as a visible symbol of the University.
For 192 years, the United States Supreme Court had a history of being an all-male body. With the appointment of Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981, that history changed. The tradition of the Court, however, remained the same. The Court still represents the justice and integrity of the United States, regardless of the Justices' gender.
Whether in Washington D.C. or under the Golden Dome, the principle should remain the same. As long as the spirit of a tradition is maintained, it should not matter whether a male or female upholds that tradition.
The Irish Guard promotes pride and respect; both of these qualities transcend gender lines. Tradition is only broken when a member of the Guard does not honorably represent the University. As long as the standards of the Irish Guard are not changed, then the gender of a Guard member should not matter.
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, September 1, 2000
