University of Virginia Library

Non-Discrimination Pledge
May Destroy Housing List

It is uncertain whether the
University Union will publish a date
housing list this year.

Last May the Union mailed out
approximately 100 letters to ladies
in Charlottesville who had been on
the Union's list last year. In
addition to the usual form
requesting information, each letter
contained a non-discrimination
agreement for the ladies to sign.

Only ten letters were returned
with the pledge signed. Some were
returned with the information filled
out, but with the statement, which
read "In the spirit of better human
relations, I am willing to
accommodate in my home any
student's guest regardless of race,
creed, or color," unsigned.

Other letters were returned
from ladies asking that their names
be removed entirely from the date
housing list.

The agreement was put on the
letters in compliance with the
University's non-discrimination
policy, according to George
Shipley, president of the University
Union. Last year there were
complaints from students that their
dates were denied housing because
of their race.

Many girls schools in the area no
longer require approved housing for
their students, and others, such as
Sweet Briar, are at present
considering dropping the date
housing requirements.

The Union is trying to have a
list of non-discriminatory housing
drawn up. Dr. Thomas Hunter,
Chancellor of Medical affairs, is
working through his country club,
Keswick, and its members to draw
up a list.

During big weekends at the
University the approved housing
augments the accommodations
offered by local hotels and motels.
Also, the approved housing is
relatively inexpensive compared to
motel prices.

The Sigma Chi social fraternity
is presently compiling a list of all
types of date housing. Chip Grange,
of Sigma Chi, told The Cavalier
Daily that his house had sent out
letters to the ladies on last year's
Union list asking for the usual
information but omitting the
non-discrimination agreement.