Bylaw Amendment Approved by Membership
The proposed amendment to the Fraternity Laws has been approved by an overwhelming vote of 333–7, with 98% of voting Realm members supporting the measure.
The amendment restores longstanding language that more clearly reflects Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s organizational structure and governance. It clarifies the respective roles of the Fraternity Service Center, Chapters Collegiate, and Alumni Associations while reaffirming the independence of chapters to govern their local affairs in accordance with the Fraternity Laws, applicable policies, and the requirements of their host institutions and state law.
As discussed throughout the voting period, this amendment does not change the Fraternity’s mission, values, or day-to-day chapter operations. Rather, it ensures that our governing documents accurately reflect the organizational framework under which SAE has operated for many years.
The amendment will now be incorporated into the Fraternity Laws, ensuring that the governing documents more accurately reflect the Fraternity’s longstanding organizational structure while providing greater clarity for future leaders and members.
The adoption of this amendment represents another step in Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s ongoing commitment to maintaining clear, effective governance that supports the Fraternity’s mission and the continued success of its Chapters Collegiate, Alumni Associations, and members.
Steve Mitchell (Indiana ’83)
EMINENT SUPREME RECORDER
Understanding the Proposed Fraternity Law Amendment: Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this amendment proposed?
This amendment restored language that historically existed in the Fraternity Laws and clarified the longstanding relationship between the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Inc., an Illinois nonprofit corporation, which operates as the Fraternity Service Center and supports the mission of the Fraternal Association, which consists of Chapters Collegiate and Alumni Associations. The goal was to ensure that the Fraternity Laws accurately describe this legal structure under which our organization has historically operated since our founding in 1856.
Did this amendment change how the Fraternity operates?
No. This amendment did not change the day-to-day operations between the Fraternity Service Center and the Fraternal Association which consists of Chapters Collegiate and Alumni Associations. Rather, this amendment clarified and restored language describing the respective roles and responsibilities of the Fraternity Service Center and the Fraternal Entities it supports.
Why was this considered now?
During the comprehensive revision of the Fraternity Laws in 2017, protective legal substantive language describing the Fraternity’s legal and organizational structure was removed. While the Fraternity’s governance practices did not change, these governing laws no longer clearly expressed those foundational organizational principles or its proper legal structure with the same clarity. This amendment restored that clarity.
Does this affect the services provided by the Fraternity Service Center?
No. The Fraternity Service Center will continue to provide educational resources, administrative services, promote health and safety, require reporting, and engage in post conduct discipline of Chapters Collegiate and their members when appropriate.
Does this reduce accountability for Chapters Collegiate?
No. Chapters Collegiate and their members remain fully accountable for complying with the Fraternity Laws, applicable policies, host institution requirements and all applicable laws.
Will Province Officers, Chapter Advisors, and volunteers continue providing guidance, education and resources?
Yes. Nothing in this amendment changed the important role played by Province Officers, Chapter Advisors, Chapter Advisory Boards, alumni volunteers, or Fraternity Service Center staff. These individuals will continue providing education, resources, and guidance that is consistent with the Fraternity Laws.
Did these amendments affect the Fraternity’s commitment to health and safety?
No. The Fraternity Service Center remains fully committed to providing health and safety education, supporting chapters and promoting responsible decision-making throughout the Realm.
Why did the amendment emphasize the independence of Chapters Collegiate?
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has long operated on the principal that Chapters Collegiate, as registered student organizations at their host academic institution, are independently responsible for their own local governance and operations in conformity with the Fraternity Laws. This amendment restored language that more clearly reflects that longstanding independent organizational structure.
Are Chapters Collegiate required to purchase additional insurance now that this amendment is adopted?
No. This amendment did not create any new insurance requirements. Chapters Collegiate continue to be responsible for their own operations and remain subject to the same insurance requirements, health and safety standards, and risk management policies that exist today.
The purpose of this amendment was to clarify the longstanding organizational relationship between the Fraternity Service Center and the Fraternal Association which consists of Chapters Collegiate and Alumni Associations by restoring language that more accurately reflects how Sigma Alpha Epsilon is structured and governed. By doing so, the amendment helped ensure that responsibility is appropriately assigned to the Fraternal Entity engaging in the activity in question and permit the Fraternity Service Center to continue providing education, resource and support to Chapters Collegiate. It also ensured that the relationship between the Fraternity Service Center and Chapters Collegiate is accurately described in the Fraternity Laws.
Did this amendment affect alumni associations or house corporations?
No. The amendment clarified the relationship between the Fraternity Service Center, Chapter’s Collegiate and Alumni Associations.
What happens now that the amendment is adopted?
Following adoption, the Fraternity Service Center is continuing to implement supporting initiatives, including educational materials, organizational agreements, and guidance documents to ensure that all Fraternal Entity members, volunteers, advisors, and officers clearly understand their respective roles and responsibilities. Importantly, those Chapters Collegiate which are unincorporated will receive assistance from the Fraternity Service Center to incorporate. If all Chapters Collegiate are incorporated this creates the strongest protection not only for each Chapter Collegiate but all Fraternal Entities as well as the Fraternity Service Center.