Brown University Corporation Decides on Jewish Fraternity Issue

A resolution, interpreted as forecasting the reformation of a chapter of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity at Brown University has been adopted by the university corporation, declaring that it is not the policy of Brown to forbid formation of an undergraduate organization having no racial or sectarian restrictions because the membership of such groups happens to be limited as to race or faith.

The resolution, setting forth the position of Brown University upon fraternal organizations within the undergraduate body, in its final declaration says that the university, in consistence with charter provisions, will guard undergraduate life forever against sentiments of intolerance and prejudice.

Consideration of a request by a group of students for permission to become affiliated with a national or international fraternity will not be refused by the university even though a majority of the members of such fraternity happen to be of one race or faith.

Although the resolution did not mention Pi Lamba Phi, it was generally viewed by members of the undergraduate body that approval of the organization of a fraternity chapter by Jewish students at Brown will be given in the near future.

The resolution follows:

“Resolved that in order to make clear the position of Brown University it is hereby declared (a) that it is the policy of the university to retain full control of the formation of organizations among its students (b) that it is not the policy of the university to forbid the formation of a group having neither racial nor sectarian restrictions solely on the ground that the membership of such a group is of one race or faith; nor is it the policy of the university, under proper circumstances of application, to refuse to consider any request that it sanction the affiliation of a duly-organized group of its undergraduates with a national or international fraternity, having no such restrictions even though in fact a majority of the members of such fraternity are of one faith or race and (c) that the position of the university will be consistent with the provisions of its charter ‘that youth of all religious denominations shall and may be freely admitted to the equal advantages. emoluments and honors of the college or university to the end that undergraduate life may be forever guarded against sentiments of intolerance and prejudice’.”