About-Face

THE CITADEL, SOUTH CAROLINA'S VENERABLE ALL-male military college, was more than happy to accept Shannon Faulkner among its latest recruits -- and why not? Faulkner had a 3.7 grade-point average and actively participated in sports. Then, after sending the 18-year-old from Powdersville a letter of acceptance, the school discovered another detail: Shannon Faulkner is a she. The Citadel retracted its offer. Faulkner, who legally requested that her high school delete references to her sex on her application, is suing, challenging the school's sexual segregation of the student body.

Last year female Navy veterans sought admission to the Citadel's day program ! for veterans. The Citadel responded by killing the program.