Honor society

In the United States, the oldest academic society, Phi Beta Kappa, was founded as a social and literary fraternity in 1776.

During the era of honor society expansion in the early 20th century, these organizations were generally supportive of cultural changes that challenged racism, classism, and sexism.

Like other aspects of academia, honor society integration and diversity grew with the expansion of an increasingly multicultural and co-educational student body.

[3][4][5] The presence of these holdovers and the demise of those that exhibited overt racism offer an opportunity for a critical reassessment of the criteria and culture within honor societies.

Rather than adopting the traditional tapping to identify top students from a given academic class based on merit, a distinct aspect of this society's nomination process is its focus on self-nominations.

[7][8][9][10] Modern honor societies are increasingly focused on creating supportive environments that promote the academic and personal development of all scholars, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.

[13][14][15] Academic robes and regalia identifying by color the degree, school, and other distinctions, are controlled under rules of a voluntary Intercollegiate Code.

In addition, various colored devices such as stoles, scarves, cords, tassels, and medallions are used to indicate membership in a student's honor society.

Stole color is   Peach and   Old gold Some universities have their own independent, open honor societies, which are not affiliated with any national or international organization.