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This Week in Princeton History for September 27-October 3


In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the Board of Trustees approves a plan for French classes, a student is sent home for involvement in a secret society, and more.

September 27, 1843—The Board of Trustees vote to require students to pay a $5 deposit in order to study French, which will be refunded if, and only if, they complete the full term of the course.

September 28, 1789—A member of the Class of 1789, upon graduating, writes of leaving Princeton: “Freed from tyrannic tutor’s sway, I leave thee, sacred doom! This day, Adieu ye reverend hypocrites! Ye holy despots, little wits!”

September 30, 1956—Director of Admission C. William Edwards reassures students and alumni that coeducation is “impossible” at Princeton and “Princeton has never considered the possibility of co-education.”

October 1, 1855—Samuel Betts, Class of 1856, is suspended from Princeton for wearing the badge of a forbidden secret society.

Although we don’t know specifically what badge Betts wore, this is an example of a mourning badge that members of the society, Phi Kappa Sigma, wore in 1863. Historical Subject Files (AC109), Box 212, Folder 2.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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