Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses

From Lawrence Ross, author of The Divine Nine and a leading expert on fraternities and sororities, Blackballed is a provocative examination of racism in American higher education. Ross argues that many colleges and universities have fostered environments that remain hostile to African American students, exposing the ways institutional traditions, campus culture, and systemic inequities continue to shape student experiences.

The book explores issues ranging from racially insensitive fraternity and sorority traditions to university practices that honor historical figures associated with racism. Ross also examines how campus policies and longstanding structures can perpetuate exclusion and inequality.

While college is often viewed as a place of learning, opportunity, and personal growth, Blackballed challenges readers to confront a more troubling reality: that racial tensions and discrimination remain deeply embedded in many institutions of higher education. Through a blend of historical analysis and contemporary examples, Ross reveals how these issues continue to affect students across the country.

Ross also takes a critical look at anti-affirmative action policies and their impact on diversity and access at predominantly white institutions. Both a history and a call to action, Blackballed urges colleges and universities to reexamine their policies, traditions, and priorities in order to create more equitable and inclusive campuses for all students.