Harvard's Proposed Social Group Ban Isn't Entirely Popular

Students would be barred from joining fraternities, sororities, all-male groups
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 22, 2017 7:30 PM CDT
Proposed Ban on Harvard Social Groups Draws Pushback
In this March 7, 2017 photo, rowers paddle down the Charles River near the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Some Harvard University professors are fighting a proposal that would ban all fraternities and single-gender clubs on campus, the AP reports. More than 20 faculty members have signed their support for a new rule that would forbid Harvard from punishing students for joining "any lawful organization." The professors say they aim to protect the "right of free association." They're led by professor and former dean Harry Lewis.

The move is in response to a July proposal from a separate faculty panel that would bar students from joining fraternities, sororities, and all-male groups known on campus as final clubs. Harvard's administration has been trying to crack down on final clubs, saying they have problems with alcohol abuse and sexual assault. University President Drew Faust will make the final decision. Harvard officials haven't commented. (More Harvard stories.)

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