Citadel sisters: a first times two - African American women students at The Citadel military college in Charleston, SC

Black Issues in Higher Education, Sept 18, 1997 by Linda L. Meggett

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Unlike the late Charles D. Foster, who thirty-one years ago bore the burden of integrating The Citadel military college alone, the first two African American females to attend the school will have something he didn't have - each other.

Genieve M. Hardney of Staten Island, N.Y., and Libbie Henry of Yemassee, S.C., are part of the Citadel's second coeducational class - the Class of 2001, which contains twenty women. Last year, only two of the four female cadets who began the program, Nancy Mace and Petra Lovetinska, completed their freshman - or "knob" - year.

The two African American women are in separate companies - Hardney was assigned to Charlie Company and Henry, a late arrival, was assigned to Romeo Company. Only the weeks and months ahead will determine whether or not they have the stability and motivation to endure the vigorous schedule of the Citadel's fourth-class system. Both survived the first day of hell week, unlike four other cadets who made early exits.

"I hesitated after hearing about the hazing [incidents of last year], but I realized at the same time that no matter where I go there would be trouble," Hardney said in her West Indian accent as she walked around the campus with her parents on check-in day. "Hopefully, I can handle myself, especially coming from New York."

Last year's, former cadets Kim Messer and Jeanie Mentalvos left the military college at the end of the fall semester amid allegations of hazing and questions about The Citadel's sincerity about integrating women into the corps.

Although Hardney, who celebrated her eighteenth birthday on August 27, said she is prepared to work hard, she added, "I'm excited, but also scared."

June Attlas, Hardney's mother, helped her daughter pick The Citadel, but admits she is concerned about the institution's history - and the attitude of the other cadets and the staff.

"I know she is going to study, she's an honor student. She plays the piano [and] she jogs a lot, so she should be in good physical shape." Attlas Said. "The only thing I'm really worried about is the attitudes. My daughter is the type of person that if she has to do something, she'll work hard to get it done."

"I told her a lot of things, but the main thing is to stay focused," said Harry Attlas, Hardney's stepfather and a Vietnam War veteran. "I hope she can make it through because she'll set the example."

Henry was not available for comments.

This year, 559 freshman cadets arrived for orientation. By press time, that number had dropped to 528. Of the thirty-one to drop out, two were females.