Norwich president vows to keep out secret clubs

[hoosier]

Norwich president vows to keep out secret clubs
February 9, 2002

(from the Top Story section)
By Wilson Ring

ASSOCIATED PRESS

NORTHFIELD — Norwich University President Richard Schneider is determined to stamp out unauthorized student groups that evolved from honor societies into vigilante groups accused of hazing, assault and larceny.

The groups belie the school’s dedication to the military ideals of duty and honor, Schneider said.

Schneider’s prohibition on groups such as the Skull and Swords, the Night Riders and the Left Out Society angered some Norwich alumni who remember the groups as cherished, fraternity-like institutions that were a vital part of their college experiences.

“There is only one fraternity at Norwich. That is the Corps of Cadets,” Schneider said, describing the Norwich students who belong to the military component of the school.

“I did get hate-mail,” Schneider said of the aftermath of his 1997 order banning the most well-known group, the Skull and Swords. “I got plenty of mail from other alumni who said it was about time.”

Secret organizations have no place in a school that offers students scores of extracurricular activities ranging from traditional sports to political clubs, Schneider said.

“I had the complete support of the trustees and the vast majority of the faculty,” Schneider said. The secret groups “were not keeping faith with the past.”

Despite campus rules that prohibit Norwich students from belonging to unauthorized organizations, the groups have persisted, their membership and their meetings kept secret.

But every so often they bubble to the surface.

The latest episode came last month after university officials discovered during a routine inspection of dormitory rooms evidence of at least one such group still operating on campus.

Three Norwich seniors were expelled, three other students dropped out voluntarily and 11 others were disciplined. Called the Left Out Society, the group had existed in secret since about 1989, officials have said.

Northfield police are continuing to investigate stolen property that was found in a dormitory room connected to the LOS.

The Skull and Swords formed as an honor society 75 years ago. For decades it was well known on campus and recognized by the college.

“They were not the honored group they once were. They were prone to intimidation,” Schneider said. “They felt like they were the only ones carrying on the true Norwich tradition.”

In 1995 Schneider suspended the organization. In 1997 it was banned outright.

In 1999, the cadet colonel, the top ranking student in the Corps of Cadets, and other top cadets were demoted after they admitted their involvement with Skull and Swords.

Schneider said earlier this week he had no solid information any groups were continuing to operate on campus.

When students enter Norwich they are required to sign contracts saying they won’t belong to any unauthorized groups.

Any caught belonging to the groups in the future will be dealt with harshly, Norwich officials said.

“I feel badly for them,” Schneider said of the students who left school last month. “At Norwich it’s real clear what the rules are. If you don’t (follow them) you are responsible and accountable for your actions.”

He had little sympathy for Norwich graduates who still support the secret societies.

“To be honest, my alums have got to get a life that is normal, adult, rational behavior,” he said.