Chapter was just closed - now what?

Originally Posted by jolene

As far as wearing letters, I don't think an org can prosecute on that. I'm not a lawyer, but I'd think that would fall under freedom of speech. My college roommate/close friend was a DPhiE and I'd borrowed an event tee (with letters) before when I hadn't done laundry and was desperate. I def wasn't going to do anything disrespectful while wearing that shirt.

I'm really shocked you guys weren't given automatic alumna status. If there were a couple of bad apples in the chapter it's not fair to punish the rest. Feel so bad for you.

Definitely, some bad apples have drawn attention to our chapter by nationals. I've never acted disrespectfully or in any way that would reflect poorly upon my sorority while wearing my letters. Other girls... Not so much.

Also, our First Amendment protection is the first thing that came to my mind when I decided I would just still wear my letters anyway lol. Don't I have the right to wear what I want? It's Freedom of Expression, as long as what I'm wearing isn't threatening to others... That's why I was wondering what real legal action could be taken if they wanted to prosecute me for something like that.

[navane]

Originally Posted by TheresaM

Also, our First Amendment protection is the first thing that came to my mind when I decided I would just still wear my letters anyway lol. Don't I have the right to wear what I want? It's Freedom of Expression, as long as what I'm wearing isn't threatening to others... That's why I was wondering what real legal action could be taken if they wanted to prosecute me for something like that.

Here's the thing - if you are appealing the decision (to get your membership, or at least alumna status), then wearing your letters around when you were clearly asked not to, isn't going to help your case. If I were you, I would be on my very best behavior. (Edited to add: BossLadyAKA and I were replying at the same time. Great minds think alike.)

Also, part of the issue may stem from the idea that, even though you personally weren't participating in the negative behaviors, all members had a responsibility to report and/or put a stop to it.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by TheresaM

Definitely, some bad apples have drawn attention to our chapter by nationals. I've never acted disrespectfully or in any way that would reflect poorly upon my sorority while wearing my letters. Other girls... Not so much.

Also, our First Amendment protection is the first thing that came to my mind when I decided I would just still wear my letters anyway lol. Don't I have the right to wear what I want? It's Freedom of Expression, as long as what I'm wearing isn't threatening to others... That's why I was wondering what real legal action could be taken if they wanted to prosecute me for something like that.

You don't have first amendment rights in this case. The first amendment protects you from the government, not from a private group. Arguably, you were granted a license to wear theater copyrighted letters and now your license has been revoked. I doubt you will.get sued, but still...