No Discrimination on Account of Race or Color
A bold decision was made almost immediately. It would forever shape the future of the fraternity. The fraternity would be local to the Bucknell campus. It would not align itself with any national and be subjected to the discrimination bound in a national organization and its respective chapters. This principle has remained intact despite repeated efforts to make Phi Lambda Theta part of a national organization.
This decision to remain local had a number of positive consequences. Shortly after the plan to go national was dropped, the new fraternity and a group of loyal Phi Lam alumni met. Clyde P. Bailey and Lloyd S.("Biff") Hoffman, whose own chapter had closed eight years previously, wanted a "home" on campus again as well as an opportunity to rekindle ties with a group espousing the principles of brotherhood.
The young organization recognized the value of a large body of Bucknell alumni, which could provide advice and assistance. They were quick to agree to an alliance of their respective groups. Thus, the older group, steeped in the principles of non-discrimination, and the younger men of maturity and principle, began to make rapid strides together. In 1947 the two organizations were merged and the new fraternity tool; the name of Phi Lambda Theta.
Strengthened by the addition of strong alumni group, the newly reestablished fraternity purchased a house at 34 Brown Street with the aid of Brothers Hoffman and Bailey. Collier's magazine featured several inter racial, non-sectarian fraternities, including Phi Lambda Theta, in its January issue of 1949. On the cover were six men from the Bucknell chapter. From this new start, the fraternity began a progressive upward climb toward Phi Lambdas most powerful area.