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University Bars Fraternity Move to Learn Students’ Religion

January 18, 1954
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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A move by fraternities at Brown University to learn the religious affiliation of students before they are “rushed” for membership has been blocked by Dean of Students Dr. Barnaby C. Keeney. The fraternities claim they want to “avoid embarrassment” for students who might be invited to join fraternities which would bar them upon learning their religions.

Dr. Keeney, ordering the Brown Christian Association not to make its records of religious affiliation of students available to the Inter-Fraternity Council, declared that opening the records would be a “violation of confidence.” He also pointed out that the University charter bans religious tests for students or faculty members and such questions are not asked until after admission to the college and are meant for the use of religious groups only.

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