The Traditional Honor Society Scam: Tracing Back to Segregationist Policies and the Need for Inclusivity Today

Traditional honor societies can be traced back to segregationist policies of the past because many of these societies were established during a time when colleges and universities were segregated and discriminatory policies were commonplace. Many of the early honor societies were created at institutions that excluded or marginalized minority groups, particularly Black and Indigenous people and other people of color.

For example, some of the oldest honor societies in the United States, such as Phi Beta Kappa, were established in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when many colleges and universities were exclusively for white, wealthy men. These societies were created to recognize academic achievement, but their membership was often limited to the most privileged and elite students.

During the Jim Crow era of segregation in the United States, many honor societies continued to exclude minority students, either through overt policies or through informal practices that favored white students. This perpetuated a system of inequality and discrimination that denied opportunities to deserving students based solely on their race, ethnicity, or social class.

While some traditional honor societies have made efforts to become more inclusive and diverse in recent years, the legacy of exclusion and discrimination remains a significant part of their history. It is important to acknowledge this history and recognize that traditional honor societies have played a role in perpetuating social and economic inequalities. By contrast, newer organizations like HonorSociety.org are founded on a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and diversity, and strive to recognize and celebrate the achievements of all students regardless of their background or circumstance.