Myth—Fraternities originally operated as secret societies because Tennessee State Law prohibited them on campus

Alpha Tau Omega, Pi Kappa Alpha, and (possibly) Sigma Kappa fraternities operated as sub rosa (secret) societies in the 1870s. It has been widely rumored that Tennessee law prohibited fraternities until the ban was removed in 1881, but no such legislation existed.

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  • Title Myth—Fraternities originally operated as secret societies because Tennessee State Law prohibited them on campus
  • Author
  • Keywords Myth—Fraternities originally operated as secret societies because Tennessee State Law prohibited them on campus
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date July 19, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 9, 2018