Name/Title
Ward-Belmont Club Pledge Day & InitiationEntry/Object ID
2023.111Tags
Ward-BelmontScope and Content
A document listing rules and regulations for the Ward-Belmont social clubs' pledge day and initiation. Similar to today's anti-hazing regulations for fraternities and sororities, it was stated here that "no one can demand that money be spent by pledges; no unhygienic stunt […] or anything that is physically disagreeable, can be demanded of a pledge; nothing other than a dignified initiation shall be allowed; any Club that breaks over the ruling of a solemn initiation will be penalized; a girl may not be blindfolded except for use in the initiation only. No girl can be taken about the grounds blindfolded."Context
Ward-Belmont offered ten student social clubs, similar to sororities: the Twentieth Century Club (T.C.C.), X.L., A.K. (All 'Round), Osiron, Agora, Anti-Pandora, F.F., Penta Tau, Del Vers, and Tri K. Per a Ward-Belmont club pamphlet (2023.107), "the club system was introduced here because it was felt that national sororities had no place in a school such as Ward-Belmont. It was, therefore, to supplant the sorority plan with something that offered its advantages without the obvious disadvantages, that the club system was started." Like sororities, there was a week of rushing at the beginning of the school year, and new club members participated in an initiation.Collection
Harpeth Hall School ArchivesLexicon
Search Terms
Ward-Belmont, Clubs, Pledge Day, Initiation