Backgrounds Quote by Kevin Sessums
![“There was a Yale even before Larry [Kramer] and I got there, and there were three designations of students: "white shoe," "brown shoe," and "black shoe." "White shoe" people were kind of the ur-preppies from high-class backgrounds. "Brown shoe" people were kind of the high school student-council…” quote by Kevin Sessums](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb5/kevin-sessums-9486_backgrounds_there-was-a-yale-even-before-larry-krame_1415214.jpg)
“There was a Yale even before Larry [Kramer] and I got there, and there were three designations of students: "white shoe," "brown shoe," and "black shoe." "White shoe" people were kind of the ur-preppies from high-class backgrounds. "Brown shoe" people were kind of the high school student-council presidents who were snatched up and brushed up a little bit to be sent out into the world. "Black shoe" people were beyond the pale. They were chemistry majors and things like that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 2015
Describes Yale's informal student class hierarchy based on background and discipline.
In simple terms: Yale had three student groups: elite, polished, and non‑traditional.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge social labeling.
Themes
social hierarchy
education
class
identity
stereotypes
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- college admissions
- networking
- career planning
- diversity initiatives
Key Concepts
social stratification
group identity
academic culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do such labels affect student self‑esteem?
- Can institutions reduce these divisions?
A Different Perspective
Labels can oversimplify individuals and limit opportunities.
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