Trial Expulsion Appeal Procedure

Resolution 17

Trial Expulsion Appeal Procedure

Whereas

The purpose of the expulsion appeal to the chapter is to adequately gauge the standing of the fraternity in reference to the appealing brother’s actions rendering him expelled by the Standards Board; and

Whereas

Any presentation given in a report to the chapter regarding an expelled brother’s status in the fraternity is subject to bias and the possibility of false testimony; and

Whereas

Brothers fighting for their right to remain in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity deserve fair trial and representation in front of their chapter in the face of expulsion; and

Whereas

There is no punishment more serious than expulsion; therefore, be it

resolved

The BYLAWS Article II, Section 27, MEMBERSHIP, MEMBERSHIP TRIALS be amended as follows by inserting the following paragraph after paragraphs (u) (strikethrough indicates removal of text; italics indicates new text):

(v) Following the report of the Chaplain, there will be the opportunity for a maximum of ten minutes of questions directed only towards the Chaplain. This period will be moderated by the Chapter President. If the President is unavailable, the Vice President of Programming will take over the duties of moderation.

(w) Once the question period is ended by either the Chapter President or the Vice President of Programming, both the Standards Board and the appealing member will be escorted out of the room. Following their departure, the President will moderate a period of pro-con debate, not exceeding ten minutes, utilizing Robert’s Rules of Order and expected to maintain the integrity of the appealing procedure.

(x) After the completion of this debate period, the Standards Board and appealing member will be brought back into the chapter meeting.

(y) Following the debate period Chaplain’s report, in no more than fifteen 15 minutes, the appealing member will have the opportunity to present his appeal. He can represent himself or designate a representative as long as that representative is a current undergraduate member in good standing of the same chapter. The member is not entitled to an attorney.

(z) Following the report of the appealing member, there will be the opportunity for a maximum of ten minutes of questions directed only towards the appealing member. This period will be moderated by the Chapter President. If the President is unavailable, the Vice President of Programming will take over the duties of moderation.

(aa)Once the question period is ended by the either the Chapter President or the the Vice President of Programming, both the Standards Board and the appealing member shall leave the room. Following their departure the President will moderate a period of pro-con debate, not exceeding ten minutes, utilizing Robert's Rules of Order.

(wbb) Immediately, without debate, Following the debate period, the Chapter President will call for a vote by secret ballot as to whether or not the decision of Standards Board to expel the member should be upheld.

[reletter later paragraphs as necessary]

Committee:Bylaws Purple Committee

Committee Recommends:Pass as amended

Grand Chapter Action:Pass as amended

Benjamin Pavich, Chairman, Bylaws Purple Committee

55th Grand Chapter Conclave – Orlando, FL – August 2-6 2017