James P. Baxter, president of Williams College, asked this week-end that the heads of all undergraduate fraternities on the campus certify in writing before next January 15 that each chapter is free to select its membership on the basis of individual merit. Dr. Baxter’s action was directed by the board of trustees of the college.
This is the latest move in the college’s two-year campaign to end religious and racial discrimination in membership of campus societies. The student body and many of the fraternities have in the past indicated agreement with the anti-bias policy. Several of the fraternities with national affiliation, however, have been torn between the campus “no-discrimination” demand and discriminatory policies ordered from national offices.
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