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.
Full Article
A Lily-White Gift
Chicago Daily Defender (Daily Edition) (1960-1973);
Sep 11, 1962;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Chicago Defender
pg. 12
Vassar College, one of the most distinguished of the colleges for women in the United States, has been informed that it is to be the beneficiary of restrictive scholarship funds in the aggregate of some $200,000.
There is nothing unusual about the fit or the educational function for which it is earmarked. It is the provision of the will, stipulating that the funds be used exclusively for white girls, which is causing some concern among both Vassar alumnae and friends of the celebrated institution.
The donor, a Miss Sally Baker Staton, Vassar 1897, died last week in Tarboro, N.C., and left her entire estate to her alma mater.
Vassar trustees will meet in October to consider among other matters the terms of Miss Staton’s bequest. It will be interesting to see whether the liberal traditions of a truly great academic institution will be transgressed to accommodate the racial bias of a donor, who, most likely died in a state of senility.
Vassar is steeped in liberal traditions. Students are admitted strictly on the basis of their academic preparations and abilities, and not on the basis of their racial identity. It would be shocking, to say the least, were the trustees to succumb to indefensible racialism under the plea of financial expediency.
Vassar is one of the wealthiest colleges in the nation. It does not have to play the pander for the evil passions of a distorted mind.
A Lily-White Gift original article (PDF, 30KB)
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