The status of racial integration in men's social fraternities at a select sample of southeastern universities

Abstract

A study pertaining to men's social fraternities was conducted at a select sample of universities in the Southeastern United States. The purpose was to determine the status of racial integration in social fraternities at the six universities selected. Very little research has appeared in the professional literature with regard to integration in college fraternities, an extracurricular activity in which students may choose to seek membership.

Personal interviews were conducted with black and non-black students, as well as administrative staff during visits to each campus. The study revealed that there was a very small number of black undergraduates at each university and consequently few blacks pledging non-black fraternities. Black fraternities had been established at three of the six universities. Black students at those universities had rushed and occasionally pledged non-black fraternities prior to the formation of the black chapters; very few had chosen to become members. No blacks chose to become members subsequent to the formation of black fraternities. Blacks were attracted to rush and pledge non-black fraternities at the three universities which did not have black fraternities, and a slightly higher percentage chose to be initiated. There was no evidence of non-blacks having rushed black fraternities.

In conclusion, blacks were attracted only to black fraternities when a choice existed. Racial integration is a characteristic of non=black fraternities at selected Southeastern universities according to the criterion set forth. It could not be determined however, whether racial integration is characteristic of black fraternities, since such chapters were found at only three universities.