Shannon Faulkner Proud of Her Place in History

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson native Shannon Faulkner still gets more than a few double-takes when people hear or see her name.

While she still takes front and center in front of the classroom and audiences in local theaters, Faulkner will forever be remembered for knocking down the barrier that forbade women to attend The Citadel.

A 1993 Wren High School graduate, she was a member of the debate team, which may have helped prepare her for the days after graduation. Initially accepted to The Citadel based on her academic record, achievements and application, the invitation was revoked when the school realized they had admitted a woman.

Her lawsuit seeking admission to the school found its way all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which eventually ruled The Citadel, a state-funded school, could not discriminate against women applicants based solely on their sex. She found a champion in author and Citadel alumni Pat Conroy, who she said was supportive and paid for her education after she eventually left The Citadel.

After her admission, Faulkner faced additional challenges both on and off campus. She found the classroom experience was often hostile, and she was harassed by male cadets and often overly aggressive media attention. Public verbal, and eventually even a physical attack by those who opposed her decision to attend the school were followed by death threats against both her and her family.

She left The Citadel after three semesters for Furman University and eventually Anderson College, where she graduated with a degree in education in 1999. She has spent the past two decades as an educator and performer on stage in various local theater groups.

“If I could go back, I would do it all again,” said Faulkner. “I am proud of what I accomplished.”

This year 848 women, nearly 20 percent of all cadets, are enrolled at The Citadel.