Protest of 1897: When Cambridge students fought to keep women out of universities

Cambridge students protested in 1897 against a proposal to award university degrees to women. The protest is a reminder that student movements aren't always progressive.When Cambridge students fought to keep women out of universities (representative image/ pexels.com)New Delhi,Oct 16, 2026 14:45 ISTIn 1869, Emily Davies established Girton College at Cambridge. According to the University of Cambridge website, it was the first women’s college at Cambridge. It was also the first college in Britain to offer residential higher education to women. However, Cambridge University did not grant degrees to women until 1948. In 1897, students staged protests against a proposal to grant women degrees. This incident showed that student protests do not always lead to progress. Sometimes, they can stand in the way of equality.Women faced many barriers to higher education at Cambridge. According to the University website, Newnham College followed Girton College in 1871. Women could study at Cambridge, but they did not enjoy equal rights. They needed permission to attend lectures. They also faced restrictions when taking examinations. Most importantly, they could not receive university degrees.The campaign for women’s degrees reached a turning point in 1897. According to the University, a proposal called for women to receive university degrees. However, it did not give them the right to take part in university government.THE PROTEST OF 1897Many male students strongly opposed the proposal. Students gathered outside the Senate House to protest, a statement on the University of Cambridge read, adding that they fired rockets and threw eggs during the demonstrations. The university held a vote on the proposal. And, the proposal was defeated by 1,713 votes to 662, the university data said.The victory encouraged those who opposed women’s degrees. The protests soon turned violent. A hostile crowd, as per university data, marched towards Newnham College. Some protesters also tore down shop shutters and doors. They used the wood to build a large bonfire in Market Square.THE LONG ROAD TO EQUALITY Women did not give up their fight for equal rights. According to the University of Cambridge website, campaigners had organised a petition for women's degrees in 1880. The petition received more than 8,000 signatures. Women also formed student societies and organised lectures.Their struggle continued for many years. Cambridge University finally began granting degrees to women in 1948. It was the last major British university to take this step.The events of 1897 reveal an important lesson. Students do not always support social change. According to the University of Cambridge website, the history of women at Cambridge shows the importance of determination and the long struggle for equal educational rights.- Ends