But students also noted that the space should have widespread appeal.
“I think this space has to have some broad-based appeal to all types of women,” said Association of Black Harvard Women President Nicole M. Laws ’06, who added that the women’s center should also include a cafe or other social space.
In response to student concern that a women’s center might not be welcoming to pro-life groups on campus, Schuetz said that the women’s center should be available to everyone regardless of their ideological beliefs.
A RUS member involved with Girlspot and the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Supporters Alliance, Rachel A. Culley ’07, who described final clubs as “institutions of privilege, money, and social connection,” said a women’s center should be an alternative to the exclusive social clubs.
So far, no female equivalent exists, Culley said.
“I think we need to have a place for people who need a safe space because of gender or sexuality on campus,” Culley said.
—Staff writer Margaret W. Ho can be reached at mwho@fas.harvard.edu.