"It'll fit in between deciding on the budget and discussing the squash courts," he said. "It's one of many things we're discussing."

Heller said he expects the committee to make the final decision for the Club.

"Sooner or later, we'll work our way through this," he said.

However, Simpson said the conflict has raised the larger issue of whether men still dominate the club.

"It might tell us a little bit about the strength of the old boy's network--that it's stronger then I wish it were," she said. "I think it would be an indication that the club needs to do much more to make the club open to women."

Simpson said women have become more welcome at the club in recent years. She noted that many leadership positions at the club, whose membership is 16 percent female, are held by women.

In addition, Simpson said a Women's Task Force has been established to help women feel more comfortable at the club.

Simpson said she is unsure what the committee's decision will be but remains confident that the club will continue its efforts to welcome female members.

"Women are becoming quite well integrated into the club," she said. "No matter what happens, I think the club will remain an open environment."