A federal district judge ruled that a state university may not discipline students by infringing on their right to freedom of speech based on an activity's perceived offensive content. The case involved a George Mason University (Virginia) fraternity contest that the administration felt was racist. (MSE)

Black fraternities decline to participate in interfraternity councils because other members don't understand the traditions of the black organizations, say the officers of eight black national organizations at a conference at Michigan State University. The purpose of the conference was to improve communications between university administrators…

At the annual meeting of the National Interfraternity Conference, the national presidents of 59 fraternities voted to study alternatives to pledging. Some think that pledging has become synonymous with hazing, and that eliminating pledging would reduce the chances for abuse. (MLW)

Female college students and professors at previously all-male institutions find that little has been done to eradicate age-old traditions, despite 20 years of coeducation. Men still cling fast to all-male secret societies and fraternities. Women are still struggling to establish a feeling of academic and social belonging. (MSE)