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Originally posted by ThetaxiUW
Having recently graduated, I always had a few questions about some of the things are alumni had us sign and our house is involved in this right now.
1: Is it legal for them to have us sign a document giving them the right to search rooms whenever they want. Their argument: the house does not fall under the landlord-tenant act and that therefore gives them a window to this. The reason: They want to be able to make sure that we are not drinking in the house which is understandable, but what is protecting us from them?
Issue one: What keeps them from taking something of ours if its after hours or we aren't there. Also, they recently did a room raid during spring break of last year when there was three guys in the house. It just seems wrong.
Issue Two: Aren't we giving up one of our freedoms if we allow searches of personal space?
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I'm no lawyer whatsoever, but I don't think this is true (especially in Seattle with their stringent tenant rights). I think they still have to abide by landlord-tenant laws. They do have the right to search your rooms, but they have to give the appropriate notice (it was 24 hours when I lived within the Seattle city limits).
Gamma Phi's House Corp bylaws give evey Gamma Phi, who paid into the "building fund" of such and such chapter, a vote in the workings of the HCB. We have an annual meeting and every alum and active of the specific chapter can attend and vote on the Board of Directors and the other issues. The collegiates basically have the power if they make teh entire house attend the meeting.
Now, REALITY. Many (not all) rich people like to get their way, no matter what. And they will always threaten to pull their financial support. I personally think that's a crock of crap that they pull that, but I'm sure it happens. Can you replace their support with money from other alumni?