| After 139 years of existence as an all-male public high school, Central's all-male policy was challenged by Susan Vorchheimer, who wished to be admitted to Central. On August 7, 1975, U.S. District Court Judge Clarence C. Newcomer ruled that Central must admit academically qualified females starting in the fall term of 1975. The decision was appealed, and the Third Circuit Court ruled that Central had the right to retain its current status. The case eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which, on April 19th, 1977, upheld the Third Circuit Court's verdict by a 4 to 4 vote with one abstention. In August 1983, U.S. District Court Judge William M. Marutani ruled that the single-sex admission policy was unconstitutional. The Board of Education voted not to appeal the legal decision, thereby admitting females to Central High School. In September 1983, the first six girls, all seniors, were admitted. As of 2006, the student population was 53% females, 47% males. |
