Eugenics Bill Defeated in Chapel Hill Student Debate, Nov. 15, 1919

From The Tar Heel, Chapel Hill, Nov. 15, 1919

Phi General Assembly Defeats Eugenics Bill

The spirit with which the members entered into the discussion of the last two bills before the General Assembly of the Phi Society is proof of the success of the new plan. While these two bills were before the Society the discussion never lagged.

Last Saturday night the bill was one advocating that every applicant for a marriage license in North Carolina should successfully pass a physical examination before receiving the license. It was introduced by the Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Pittman of that committee putting it before the House and discussing the necessity for such a measure.

The advocates of the bill met little opposition until Mr. Grant rose and threw a bomb in the argument of the affirmative, by showing that it would be detrimental to the lower classes—the very class it was intended to help.

A wave of opposition was then turned towards the bill, and it was hotly discussed pro and con until it was so late that the Speaker called for a vote. The results showed 21 for and 48 against.

Several new bills were introduced after the debate. They will be fought out in later meetings, and will no doubt prove extremely interesting.

The regular election of officers of the Society will take place next Saturday night.