Policy Resolution LJE-16-17

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the principles of integrity, human dignity, and the work of all individuals;

WHEREAS, the NBCSL members believe in the principles of the fraternity and sorority movement;

WHEREAS, Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off a college or university campus, by one person alone or acting with others, that subjects an individual to an unreasonable risk of physical, mental, racial, emotional or academic harm for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization;

WHEREAS, national Fraternity and Sorority organizations have lobbied State Legislatures and Capitol Hill opposing hazing in any form; and

WHEREAS, national Fraternity and Sorority organizations support using resources available to educate its members on hazing and seek to foster mutual accountability and compliance among the organizations.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Fraternity and Sorority organizations shall continue to encourage their members to be culturally sensitive and to participate in activities which promote high scholastic achievement, sisterhood, brotherhood, loyalty and leadership and shall continue to affirm sound values and the worth of every member working together to accomplish organizational goals and serve the community;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL urges legislation at the State level of government authorizing Fraternities and Sororities members with law enforcement backgrounds to implement a program that will allow those members to serve as an immediate liaison to colleges and universities in assisting other law enforcement jurisdictions in investigating and resolving allegations of hazing.  Members of fraternities and sororities with law enforcement backgrounds will serve as a resource to Local and State law enforcement in the investigation of improper activity; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) makes copies of this resolution available for distribution to the President of the United States, as well as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, all states’ legislative leadership, and other state and federal government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Alan Williams (FL)
  
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
  
• Certified by Committee Co-Chairs: Senator Arthenia Joyner (FL) and Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
  
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 4, 2015
  
• Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President