Purdue University’s Faculty-student Conclave Urges Change in Admissions Policy

Rabbi Gerald Engel, director of B’nai B’rith Hillel at Purdue University, has reported that a faculty-student conclave has recommended changes in Purdue’s admissions policy, which a Congressman has charged discriminates against Jews. The recommendations, devised at a recent discussion on “The Morality of Purdue’s Admissions Policy” at the local B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundation, have been forwarded to university president Fredrick Hovde, who had welcomed suggestions. Four months ago. Rep. Leonard Farbstein, Democrat of New York, called on Attorney General John N. Mitchell to look into “possible discrimination” by Purdue against Jews. Negroes, Puerto Ricans and other minorities. He noted that the state institution had cut out-of-state acceptances, with special restrictions on New York State and New Jersey, where half of America’s Jews live. The legislator said “Purdue’s intent is clear.” Purdue said it was attempting to reduce the number of disruptive campus “outsiders.” The four faculty members on the panel here agreed unanimously that Purdue’s official letter to applicants tended to discourage them from filing. The student audience cheered the panel. The quota was instituted last Nov. 19.