Mason Applies Once More for Phi Beta Kappa Chapter

By C2M Staff Reporter Rachael Dickson

After three previous rejections, Mason is applying yet again for a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

“It is probably the most prestigious, and certainly the oldest student honor society in the United States,” Provost Peter Stearns said. “Many students who would be admitted, would find it a privilege and a good thing to have it on their resume. We feel we have a large number of students who would be good candidates for the organization."

Stearns said that the school’s application for a chapter of the honor society has just been sent in.

“[Phi Beta Kappa] will have to chew on it for a while before they decide whether to send a visiting group out to Mason,” Stearns said.

Phi Beta Kappa’s decision-making process on applications could take several years.

Mason was refused a Phi Beta Kappa chapter in 2005 based on allegations that an appearance of controversial director Michael Moore scheduled days before the 2004 Presidential election was cancelled under pressure of conservative Virginia legislators. According to an article on the subject by The Washington Post, Mason President Alan Merten said that the appearance had been canceled due to Moore’s $35,000 speaking fee, rather than any concern about content. However, Phi Beta Kappa refused Mason’s appeal to its decision.

“I thought this was seizing on a complex single event as a comment on faculty governance and commitment to freedom of speech, and I was disappointed,” Stearns said at the time.

Phi Beta Kappa previously turned down Mason in 2003, due to concerns over possible interference in faculty control of curriculum.

Stearns said that Mason has had no incidents regarding freedom of speech since 2004 and no issues with faculty determining curriculum in the last decade.

"We don't think those issues are going to be particularly salient anymore," Stearns said.

The Provost feels confident about Mason's chances this time.

“It's not unusual to have to try several times for a chapter," Stearns said. “My previous institution, Carnegie Mellon, had to try three times. It takes a while for the outsiders to get to know a new place - particularly a somewhat unconventional place such as George Mason."