- Coeducation: Oberlin was one of the first colleges in the United States to admit women on an equal basis with men, beginning in 1837. This was a radical departure from the traditional all-male colleges of the time, and it helped to pave the way for women's education in the United States.
- Anti-slavery: Oberlin was a hotbed of abolitionist sentiment in the years leading up to the Civil War. The college was home to several prominent abolitionists, including William Lloyd Garrison and Charles Grandison Finney. Oberlin also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and many escaped slaves found refuge in the community.
- Social reform: Oberlin was also a center of social reform in the 19th century. The college was home to a number of reform movements, including the temperance movement, the women's rights movement, and the labor movement. Oberlin graduates went on to become leaders in these movements and made significant contributions to social change in the United States.
Oberlin College's commitment to social justice and its willingness to challenge the status quo made it a truly revolutionary institution for its time. The college's legacy continues to inspire students and activists today.