Jews at Williams: Inclusion, Exclusion, and Class at a New England Liberal Arts College

This book examines the historical presence of Jews at Williams College, a small, selective liberal arts college in New England where Jews were uncommon until well after World War II. By examining changing patterns in American higher education, the exclusionary practices of college fraternities, and the changing face of Jewish America, this book asks why so few Jews once went to Williams and explores the college’s struggles with diversity.

Jews at Williams will appeal to readers interested in the history of higher education, the history of Jewish life in the United States, the history of American Judaism, the history of fraternities, and of course the history of Williams College itself.