Pa. college revives sororities after 79-year ban

After a nearly 80-year absence of sororities at Swarthmore College, female students will soon have the option of going Greek.

Kappa Alpha Theta is establishing a chapter this spring despite months of polarizing debate at the liberal arts school near Philadelphia.

 

Some students say sororities are elite clubs that flout the college’s Quaker principles of inclusion. Swarthmore’s female students voted to ban them for that reason in 1933.

But now campus officials say federal Title IX regulations require Swarthmore to provide equal opportunities for men and women. The college has two fraternities.

Sorority founders contend their membership will be diverse and committed to Swarthmore’s values. They also say the chapter will provide valuable networking opportunities.