1962 – A Lily-White Gift
This article, from the Chicago Defender, tells the reader that Vassar was given the estate of alumna Sally Baker Staton after she passed away. Problematically, she specified her money was to be used for scholarships for white students only. The article continues that it would be “shocking” for a school that only accepts students on the basis of merit and not race, to accept the terms of this donation. The article argues that Vassar is wealthy and does not have to “pander for the evil passions of a distorted mind.” The Defender clearly makes the stance that if Vassar accepted this donation they would in turn be racist.
1962 – Lily-White Will Gives Vassar Headache
Another article written about the “white-only” scholarship, it describes that Vassar is conflicted on what decision to make. It also elaborates that the recipient of this scholarship was to be from a certain geographical area. The Board of Trustees at Vassar ultimately decided they would not honor this racist stipulation, but it is concerning that they needed to discuss the matter at all. The college not making a statement against this racist action speaks volumes on how much more work the college had to do in 1962 to improve equity between all students.
1969 – Vassar Sit-In Reaps Some Black ‘Gains’
This Defender article accounts a three day sit-in which resulted in the school making progress in favor of Black students. The protesters demanded an increased number in Black students and professors as well as an all-Black dorm. At this point in time, it is described that Vassar had 59 Black students. This was also directly after Vassar became co-ed. Their demands were heard and most accepted. Black students were told they could live in the same residential space, but that the space was not to be exclusively Black. This is the first article where Black Vassar scholars have a voice and are seen pushing back on the college and demanding change.
1969 – Seven College Conference
This final article highlights the Seven Sisters’ work to increase diversity on their campuses. It is described here that Black Vassar students were working hard to increase the number of Black applicants to Vassar. The Black Vassar students visited predominantly Black high schools to recruit students and answer questions. While this should not have been the responsibility of Black students, their effort to promote Vassar does show that they found value in attending the institution.