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Originally posted by AOX81
The rule change is seen by some as an effort to crack down on hazing, recognized as a national crisis among college fraternities and sororities. While there have been no reported incidents of hazing at UM-Flint, any such activity could become a liability issue, according to a university official.
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I would find an alum who is a lawyer, or find a former UM-Flint Greek who's a lawyer or law student....someone who can help you draft a resolution professionally. The first thing you have to do is research this statement. Find out the history of hazing reports, etc. at UM-Flint. (You may not be able to get this info from the Greek office if she's wanting to shut you down. May have to use some other ways here.) If it is true that there haven't been any major hazing incidents, then you've negated the first argument.
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"The organizations that are responsible to a national organization, their entire charter would be revoked if they were found (hazing)," said Kelli Hoppe, UM-Flint student activities coordinator.
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Do some research...I'll bet you can find some National Chapters that weren't revoked due to a hazing incident. Depends on the severity though...don't use little minor, piddly cases. (You may not be able to use this as a convincing argument however, so don't even address this one unless you have evidence to the contrary).
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In contrast, independent Greek outfits pose liability problems.
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EVERY student organization poses a liability risk. EVERY ONE. Lord knows how many "marching band" (NOT KKPsi or TBS) parties I've been to that put the greek stereotype to
shame. Look at athletics hazing, band hazing, swim team hazing, whatever. Even some honor societies go above and beyond...depends on the campus.
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"The main reason for that (rule) is local organizations don't have liability insurance," Hoppe said. "It puts students as well as the university at risk. Hazing wasn't a major part of the discussion (here). To my knowledge we have not had a large hazing problem on campus."
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If the campus has liability insurance for it's groups that aren't covered by another national entity (band, local honor groups, etc), can the two local Greeks be included in that policy by paying insurance premiums? Of course, you would have to follow some major rules set by the university, but if you want local recognition, they're gonna set some major rules on you anyway. Explore what the options are here. (This is just a random thought I had...never heard of it before, but who knows?)
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Hoppe said the two organizations were notified of the rule in November and given a Feb. 9 deadline to comply.
But Alpha Theta Chi president Kellie Gilkes argues that the sorority was misled about the university's true intentions and initially was told the rule was only a possibility.
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This policy announcement should be in writing
somewhere. Find it. It should be in the minutes of the CPH meeting, or as a memo sent out to all Greek orgs...someone should have this in writing dated November. If it can be found, then Kellie has no argument here. However, if no document can be produced, then you may have something.
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"I think it's a good thing, it protects everybody from getting sued," said the junior business major. "Then there's no hazing whatsoever. Almost all national chapters are not allowed to haze."
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Oops...bad quote there. Let's hope it was just a misunderstanding.
A few other things to consider: What is the climate like on your campus? Are the National groups substantially bigger than yours? If so, you may have to prove you're just as "worthy" of existence to the Greek office (they may feel bigger is better). If the National groups aren't very supportive/helpful to you, keep your mouth shut while doing your research. Don't tip your hand until you're ready. Any professors who disagree with this ruling and be willing to help you out?
Also, we've got to consider the other option: Going National. I don't know your local's history, etc. but would it be the end of the world if you joined a National or even a "regional" that had insurance/anti hazing policies, etc? Look at the pros and cons of each situation. If there are important local traditions you want to keep, some nationals may allow you to embrace that part of your chapter history instead of pretending it doesn't exist.
OHHHH, just thought of something....if the College Panhellenic didn't vote to allow another National on campus, then there was no way for you to comply with the rule and therefore it should be null and void. Go research that one too...
*paging an NPC expert* doesn't the Green Book (or your campus bylaws) say that even if an established local wants to affiliate with a national the CPH has to vote to allow that? That might be your key....although all the GA has to do is tell the CPH to open up for expansion then give you another 6 months to pick a National....but it would chip away at the credibility of all this.
Also, be brutally honest....have the locals on this campus done something to piss off the campus? If so, you may not have a good foundation in which to fight this decision. Take a close look at the campus/chapter relationship. You mentioned in another post that two older locals are allowed to stay on campus...is that accurate? If so, what's the difference?
Sorry this got so long, I got carried away I guess!!!
In any case, I'm sorry this is happening to your group...it sucks having people fight you every step of the way. We're here to listen and help!!
PsychTau
It's nice to have some national support. 
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