The Green caldron - University Library

2 The Green Caldron
one instructor could conceivably be given an "A" by another. This is undoubtedly
why Instructor Snodgrass finds it difficult to fathom how "C"
themes could possibly have been selected instead of his "A" contributions.
Though these human differences in interpretations are allowable, critical
analysis of all themes for originality of subject, as well as for content, and
careful scrutiny of all papers for finer details of grammar and coherency
would greatly minimize such human differences.
In the final analysis, however, the staff has created a powerful incentive
to freshman writers. If the thought-provoking writings occasionally evi-
denced in previous issues continue to appear in The Caldron as examples
and models, the campus will undoubtedly see a steady increase in the quality
of freshman writing through the coming years.
The Fraternity's Right to
Discriminate
James H. Stein^ Jr.
Rhetoric 102, Theme 6
{Author's note: The author does not necessarily approve of the discrimination
current in fraternities. Like Voltaire, however, he will defend to the end the
fraternity's right to discriminate.)
EVERY
FEW YEARS THE FRATERNITY SYSTEM IS BE-
sieged by a small group of would-be abolitionists who, if they could have
their way, would "integrate" every Greek-letter house on campus before
sundown. Paradoxically, these thoughtless people consider themselves the
champions of justice. Actually, they are attempting to abolish one of the fra-
ternity's greatest rights : privacy.
These people fail to realize that the fraternity house is set up as a well-
organized home. A fraternity is a large family, a group of men who work and
relax together in a congenial family atmosphere. Like any household, the
fraternity maintains the privacy of a well-ordered family.
Joining a fraternity is a privilege, not a right. Just as a family may invite
to dinner friends of its choosing, and ignore others, so may a fraternity also
pledge people who are compatible with the group, and ignore others whom it
may not know or care to know. Since no one person or group of persons has
the right to join a fraternity, there is no wrong done when a fraternity re-
fuses to pledge a person or persons, for any reason.
This is all that need be said. Since, by its discrimination, the fraternity
oversteps the rights of no one, such discrimination is legal. The reasons for
the discrimination, be they financial, social, racial or religious, and the moral
aspects of such discrimination, are clearly irrelevant.