LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Why Beta Went Local

To THE EDITOR:

The 1954 Dartmouth Referendum required that a fraternity's national officers sign a pledge stating that no written or unwritten discriminatory pressure is being applied by the National Fraternity or its alumni. The deadline for compliance was April 1, 1960. The National Officers of Beta Theta Pi refused to sign this pledge, maintaining that the membership qualifications of Beta Theta Pi are clearly stated in its Code. The Code says that the only qualification for membership is that a candidate be selected by a unanimous vote of the individual chapter. Although no discriminatory statement or restriction appears in this Code, we feel the following information indicates pressure on individual chapters:

(1) Kenyon — in 1954 a Negro was initiated at Kenyon. Fraternity-wide, controversy and furor ensued, but the issue went unresolved at the National Convention that summer. However, at that time, a socially acceptable clause was added to the By-Laws.

(2) In 1960 the Bowdoin Chapter pledged a Negro. Opposition, and correspondence with the National Officers followed. The Negro depledged.

(3) Also in 1960, the Williams College Chapter pledged a Negro. Although all members were pledged according to the Code of Beta Theta Pi, the Trustees placed an injunction on the pledge class which is still in effect pending this summer's National Convention.

How many houses have been subtly discouraged from pledging or initiating Negroes by outside pressures? We feel that such unwritten discrimination is diametrically opposed to the 1954 Dartmouth Referendum. As a local fraternity we can determine our own membership policies with no outside pressures and thus adhere to the ideals of the Referendum with integrity. For this reason we severed our ties with Beta Theta Pi.

President, Beta House

Hanover, N. H

"A Splendid Teacher"

To THE EDITOR:

With great sadness I read of the passing of Professor Hartshorn. There are hundreds of Dartmouth men who will treasure the memory of this wise and kind scholar and gentleman. For myself, I regard my all too brief association with Professor Hartshorn as one of the great and unique intellectual experiences I enjoyed at the College. The many scientists, physicians, and others fortunate to be counted among his students will mourn the loss of such a splendid teacher and wonderful human being.

Scottsdale, Ariz