Texas group launches scholarship exclusively for white males

By Jenna Johnson

The application for a $500 scholarship from the Former Majority Association for Equality looks pretty much like all the others out there. Well, except for this eligibility requirement: "Male - No less than 25% Caucasian."

Yes, the Texas-based nonprofit organization has launched a scholarship for white men. Members of the group, which goes by FMAFE, say they aren't racist and "have no hidden agenda to promote racial bigotry or segregation," according to their Web site. Instead, they say their goal is to provide financial aid to white men who might not qualify for other scholarships.

"FMAE's existence is dedicated around one simple principle, to provide monetary aid for education to white males who need it," the group's mission statement reads.

The president of the nonprofit is Colby Bohannan, a Texas State University mass communication student and Iraq war veteran who said he had difficulty finding money to pay for college, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Bohannan told the newspaper he "felt excluded" when looking for scholarships.

"If everyone else can find scholarships, why are we left out?" Bohannan said. Bohannan told the paper the organization has a nine-member volunteer board that includes three women, one Hispanic and one African American.

In addition to being male and at least one-quarter Caucasian, applicants are required to have at least a 3.0 GPA and "demonstrate a commitment to education, and substantiate financial need," according to the Web site. The group is taking donations, although it says it will not accept money from any organizations affiliated with white supremacy or hate groups. So far, FMAFE reports it has raised more than $2,500.

The group plans to award $500 scholarships to at least five men for the fall semester. As of Thursday, when the American-Statesman article published, the group had not received any applications.

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