Gov Bentley: Integration of UA sororities "good first step"

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Gov. Robert Bentley is praising progress in integrating the racially segregated Greek system at the University of Alabama. Bentley says it's a "positive first step" that a few traditionally white sororities have accepted minorities as members. The governor's office issued a brief statement late Friday after the university said four blacks and two other minority students have accepted invitations to join white sororities at Alabama. President Judy Bonner says she expects the numbers to increase as the school year continues in Tuscaloosa. Bonner acknowledged racial segregation and race-based membership decisions within Greek-letter social groups after the student newspaper detailed allegations of discrimination during sorority rush last month. Only a few minorities have ever joined white fraternities or sororities at Alabama, and just a few whites have joined black groups.