TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Charges of racism in sororities at the University of Alabama is being address by expanding the recruitment process.
The University of Alabama is ordering changes in its sorority system amid charges of racism in the Greek-letter organizations. A spokeswoman says President Judy Bonner is requiring the groups to begin using a recruitment process where new members can be added at any time.
The change was announced Monday. It follows reports by the student newspaper, The Crimson White, detailing allegations that alumnae of some all-white sororities were blocking the chapters from adding black students as new members. It was acknowledged that the personal character and academic qualification of the black students more than met the sororities requirements.
The Faculty Senate scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to consider a statement asking administrators to take further steps.
Claims of racism are marring a year in which the university is trying to show racial progress in the 50 years since then-Gov. George Wallace's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" blocking integration at the University of Alabama.
Integration of Greek-letter organizations may bring an end to some of the last bastion and symbol segregation and racism on college and university campuses. The University of Alabama is not alone in this challenge.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.