Q&A: Coercion
Coercion
Question
A question regarding the Rabbi’s latest article:
What is the difference between a yeshiva that decides only men will study there and wants separation in the name of religious values, and perhaps also moral ones, and a university that wants to prevent separation in the name of other values?
Answer
There is no difference at all. If the yeshivot were preventing mixed study in non-Haredi / non-religious institutions, I would say the same thing about them.
Discussion on Answer
Even here there are differences. A university is a state institution that is fully funded. There is no alternative for getting a degree without university approval. Mixed study usually disturbs the yeshiva’s students and teachers, whereas at a university it isn’t supposed to be disturbing (especially since it presents itself as liberal and free, while a yeshiva does not).
I’m asking what the difference is, if any, between a yeshiva that would prevent a mixed group from studying within its walls and a university that prevents a separated group from studying within its walls. Is there something wrong with the yeshiva’s policy? And if not, why not?