Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1908 — Fraternity Disbands [ARTICLE]

Fraternity Disbands

Some three weeks ago the School Board gave notice to the various clubs or fraternities formed by students in the high school that they would have to disband. It effected the T. H D., E. O. C., W. F. B. and Beta Phi Sigm a national fraternity. The boys were inclined to think the school board had no jurisdiction over them and sent for a conn seler from Purdue University, wh o in an interview with Supt. \varren, said the fraternity law was" unconstitutional and should he expel or suspend any of the students in high school for belonging to such an organization he would immediately file an injunction proceeding compelling their reinstatement. The boys were given until last Monday morning to determine just what they w’ould do. They, might moke a legal stand and take the chance of an expulsion or they might hand in their, withdrawal Monday morning the boys informed Principal Gray that they bad handed their withdrawal to the alumni members of the Fraternity, which under the circumstances was quite the proper thing to do. The fraternity is made up of boys who excel in their high school work and during the life of the organization the boys held the good will of the people and no complaint was made of their conduct or of their school standing by the faculty, the parents or the people at large. But the school board oould not, under the law, allow the fraternity to exist. and as the continuance of one meant the establishment of others, their growing numbers and strength probably meant a menace to school authority and the action of the action of the school board was timely.