What widespread beliefs hindered Emma Willard's efforts to provide schools for girls

The widespread belief that education was harmful and unnecessary to girls was one of the main obstacles on Emma Willard's way to provide schools for girls.

As it turns out, Willard's "Plan For Improving Female Education" was written 1819 and presented to the members of the New York Legislature. But she received no responce, because legislators were concerned that female education was contrary to God's will.