What do you do when a Brother makes a mistake?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by jaynu

My Fraternity preaches Family > Organization. If this were to happen to us, as it has been done to many of the orgs on campus (except it has recently been put in the public eye), then while I would want that person kicked out, the more acceptable "punishment" is education. Find out what is wrong with the Brother and see if there's anything the Fraternity can do to help him. If not, then he would probably kick himself out the Fraternity.


EE-BO, great post. Thanks a lot. Hrrrm, I'm still a little bothered by this issue but it's good to see how other organizations would deal with it.

Every organization teaches brotherhood.

How are you going to "educate" someone not to be a thief? What education do you think they need? Do you think they thought it was okay?

[OPhiAGinger]

I am pretty "turn the other cheek" about a lot of things, but I am fiercely protective of my sorority's assets. I have zero tolerance about someone stealing from my sisters. We budget carefully so we can keep our dues as low as possible, and that money has to stretch a long way. If a member decides to steal from us, I believe they are making a parallel decision to give up their membership.

[nate2512]

I think the case is variable. If he repays the money immediately, I would say that the person should be suspended for a certain amount of time, while still paying dues. And that the person should be required to complete a certain amount of community service hours, and contribute a certain amount of money to charity. Then when he's met those conditions, allow him to come back on a probationary state that requires him to show up to social functions but on the condition that he watches the door, whatever "jobs" you're officers are required to do. (except collect money for any reason) then eventually allow him full status that disallows him from being in any leadership positions and on the status that if he violates constitution by-laws or rules again, he's hitting the door for good.

[OPhiAGinger]

I just reread the OP's request for specific information so I am posting again.

Omega Phi Alpha has provisions in our national constitution to strip membership privileges of members who break the law. It's up to the national board whether to prosecute or not. Unfortunately, when we were faced with this situation in the past we lost no time in revoking the membership of the person who stole from us. What's more, we did everything we could to help the district attorney prepare his case for prosecution... which he won easily.