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B’nai B’rith Charges “exclusive” Social Clubs with Fostering Bias

May 22, 1956
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“Exclusive” social clubs have become a powerful social force which “patternizes and perpetuates discrimination in business, education, housing and civic affairs,” Henry E. Schultz, chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League, told the 104th annual convention of B’nai B’rith District 1 last night. The convention, at the Concord Hotel here, is being attended by 1,600 delegates and guests.

Mr. Schultz charged that “social separatism” practiced by country and luncheon clubs has kept members of minority groups from the leadership councils of their community. He said: “No one can decry a man’s right to choose his friends and social companions. But when this becomes an organized subterfuge for gaining or retaining power and special privilege in his community, it is a serious attack on democratic society and contradicts the equally inviolable right of all men to equal opportunity.”

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