Controversy
Farmington gained notoriety in the late 1960s and early 1970s for its whites-only membership policy. The Club has always admitted new members by invitation only. University of Virginia President Edgar F. Shannon, Jr. resigned from the club in the late 1960s in response the University banned the use of University funds for entertaining in segregated facilities for a period of time. In 1976, University of Virginia President Frank Hereford's membership resulted in controversy at the University and one faculty resignation. The incident became the catalyst for social change at the University including the establishment of an Office of Minority Affairs. Since the members purchased the Club in 1979, Farmington has adopted a firm non-discrimination policy and has consistently sought diversity in its ranks. Although Farmington Country Club remains private, and its memberships are by invitation only, it does not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, religion or gender.
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