Equal Rights At the D.U. Club

In the late '60s the question of admitting large numbers of black students ravaged the D.U. club, with some white students refusing to okay their entrance, and the few black members in turn blocking admittance of new white members. Not surprisingly, membership declined drastically.

And although the club has changed since then, last year electing the first black final club president, the same situation threatens to arise again now over the issue of female membership. Mention of retaliation remains purely behind the scenes, one D.U. member said yesterday, but tensions are rising within the club, and two sides are clearly forming.

The question is further complicated by the role of the club's trustees, many of whom vehemently object to admitting women.

"The infiltration of women would break down traditions that are still very dear to some people," John Dwinell '38, corporation chairman of the club, said yesterday.

Dwinell, who early this week said he would sooner close the club than allow it to admit women, said yesterday costs of additional facilities, such as bathrooms, for the new female members would be prohibitive.

The outcry of some trustees has not forced club president Michael McHugh '77 to rescind invitations sent out to women. But one student member said yesterday the chances of women actually being admitted are zero.

Behind the surface objections to the entrance of women lies another obstacle. The D.U. Club has reportedly been negotiating a merger with the Fox Club, which, like most of the other clubs, will not even consider female membership, Fox members said yesterday.

Since admitting women would weaken the D.U.'s bargaining position, it seems unlikely that the trustees will approve it.

Meanwhile, the squabbles continue. The trustees today will mail out a questionnaire to all club graduates seeking reaction to the proposal, all the while fuming that they were not consulted before public announcement of the decision.

Meanwhile the student members proceed with their round of parties, determined to carry out their battle.

"We want to force a clearer stand on exactly what the trustees can and cannot tell students to do. It goes beyond admitting women, even to whether or not we can let dogs into the back yard," McHugh said.