Parents and alumni of Jesuit High School gathered on Tuesday to oppose the school's plan to become co-educational. According to FOX40, the school plans to admit female students in 2027. School officials said that keeping separate boys' and girls' divisions while sharing extracurricular spaces will maintain the school's traditions.
Alumni, including 1993 salutatorian Martin Khodabakhashian, spoke in support of Jesuit High School remaining all-male, with Khodabakhashian saying, "Our society, our world, our country needs more refining of men at an early age," as reported by CBS News Sacramento. The school rejected conditional pledges over $4 million that aimed to influence the decision. Jesuit High School confirmed it will move forward with the transition to a co-educational model.
Parents have raised concerns that their opinions are being ignored, with some saying students were threatened with expulsion for discussing the issue, which was said to violate the student handbook. Alumni parent Sandy Malaney, part of the group, said, "Join hands with the community. Listen to the community," as per CBS News Sacramento. The school said it continues to meet with parents and alumni about the changes. Jesuit High School, which has 935 boys and can hold 1,100 students, plans to start accepting applications from girls next fall, moving toward a co-educational system.
