The Minneapolis journal., 1906-11-25

schools were directly represented, en-
phatlc protest was made against the
existence of these .organizat tions.S The
conclusion of the report with recon-
| mendations is appended:
g. Ihls report has shown that frater-
mites !Hs and m sororities are detrimental in
their influence ces IS upon the school in
mental to the pupil himself in that they
undermine the character and become a
fetish to be worshiped by immature
boys and girls creating disloyalty to
the parents as we'll as to the school;
that they are mere limitations of college
life, leading to early sophistication and
to manipulation of community politics;
that they show turbulence absolutely
comcal In its character if it were not
SO serions in its effects; and, finally,
that mat they are undemocratic and unso-
The Resolution.
The resolution adopted follows:
| cit is the judgment of the deans and
cooperating with the University of
Chicago that neither the fraternity nor
the sorority has a place in secondary
school life and therefore both are con-
demned.
q It is urged on the boards of educa-
tlon in our cities and upon the advi-
sorry board of our academies that they
adopt and enforce this rule:
81. That such organizations be de-
med public recognition and the use of
~. That they be forbidden the use
of the school name.
That any student known to be
member of either fraternity or soror-
ity shall not be permitted to represent
the school in any literary or athletic
contestror in any public capacity.
That the attention Of the par
ents and pupils be called to such con-
demnation Of these fraternities and
sororities.
IS. That a study be made by the
school authorities Of ways and means
by which it will be possible to develop
the social life in our secondary schools
to fill the need that makes these organ
izations possible.'
The report was adopted without a dis
senting vote.
In the west equally radical action
has been taken. Seattle has followed
the lead of Minneapolis in prohibiting e
the participation of all fraternity and
sorority members in any privileges Of
the school, except those Of the class
room. That is, they can not be mem
football eleven, track team, debating
team, glee club, band or orchestra, or
military battalion. This rule was
made the basis of an action at law,
finally carried to the supreme court
which sustain the school trustees in
every point.
Courts Against "Frats.''
In fact the decision was SO sweeping
fLC+ Il
in refusing diplomas to members of
than the rules adopted in Minneapolis
for suppressing the societies. AS
they have not been suppressed, but as
matter OF fact are supposed to be
stronger than ever, it is likely that the
school board will take up the matter at
an early date, and seek to enact more
stringent laws. It is known that one
boy on the Central high school football
team is member Of "frat.'
If tudents who held membership in
fraternities or sororities were debarred
from obtaining diplomas at commence
ments, it is believed that enough of
tionable organizations to make them of
little strength. Such a rule will be
considered and the chances for it's
adoption are excellent.
College fraternities in the main have
no sympathy whatever with the high
school fraternities. At a meeting of
the, beta Theta Phi, in session in the
|. east last week, it was decided that all
former members of high school frater-
mites be barred from election to the
fraternity. Similar action is expected
from other national bodies.
In this city, with more than 200 stu
dents Of the entral high school affili-
ated with ostracized organizations and
standing in a position of defiance to
school authority, the situation is said
to be one which demands prompt atten-
tion and positive action.