University of Alabama revamps sorority rules amid racism claims

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - 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.

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 Alabama.