Governing Laws Amendment Ratified by the Fraternity Body

The Fraternity Body of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has approved an important amendment to the Fraternity’s Governing Laws through a mail ballot vote of the membership. The measure passed with overwhelming support and reflects the Fraternity’s continued commitment to strong governance, accountability, and fairness.

Strong Member Support

The amendment was ratified by a vote of 374 in favor and 44 opposed, representing 89.5% approval—well above the required two-thirds threshold for adoption.

With this vote, the Fraternity has formally adopted Section 28.A.4, establishing a defined appellate process for specific disciplinary actions.

Addressing an Identified Gap

At the 2023 Convention of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Fraternity amended Section 24 to grant the Eminent Supreme Recorder, the Fraternity’s Chief Executive Officer, summary disciplinary authority. This authority allows the Fraternity to act quickly when serious circumstances require immediate action to protect the organization and its members.

Following that change, members raised thoughtful questions regarding the absence of a formal appeal process in cases where this authority is invoked. The newly adopted amendment addresses that concern while preserving the Fraternity’s ability to respond swiftly when necessary.

A Balanced Governance Approach

The newly enacted Section 28.A.4 establishes a right of appeal as follows:

• In the future, when the Eminent Supreme Recorder makes a disciplinary decision based upon a Section 24 summary action, an appeal may be timely taken.
• Appeals are directed exclusively to the Supreme Council which possesses sole discretionary appellate jurisdiction.
• A majority vote of the Supreme Council is required to overturn the Eminent Supreme Recorder’s summary action decision.
• The appellate decision of the Supreme Council is final.

Importantly, this provision applies only to Section 24 actions and does not extend to other decisions made by the CEO in the course of managing the Fraternity.

Ensuring Legal and Fiduciary Integrity

The decision to place appellate authority with the Supreme Council reflects sound governance and legal responsibility. Because Section 24 actions may involve fiduciary duties and privileged legal counsel, any appellate body must operate within those same obligations to preserve attorney-client privilege and protect the Fraternity.

As the Board of Directors and the highest governing body between Conventions, the Supreme Council is uniquely positioned to fulfill this role responsibly.

A Thoughtful Legislative Process

The amendment followed the Fraternity’s established legislative process:

• Submitted by Eminent Supreme Recorder Steve Mitchell (Indiana ’83)
• Approved by majority vote of the Supreme Council
• Unanimously recommended by the Permanent Committee on Fraternity Laws
• Submitted to the Fraternity Body through a formal mail ballot

Strengthening the Fraternity for the Future

This amendment reflects the ongoing evolution of governance within Sigma Alpha Epsilon. By pairing strong executive authority with a clearly defined appellate safeguard, the Fraternity continues to strengthen both its operational effectiveness and its commitment to fairness.

The overwhelming support for this amendment demonstrates the shared dedication of our members to responsible leadership, sound governance, and the long-term health of the Fraternity.

Scope and Prospective Application

The amendment is limited strictly to disciplinary actions in which the Eminent Supreme Recorder expressly invokes Section 24. Consistent with standard practice for Fraternity Law amendments, this provision is prospective in nature and will not be applied retroactively.

28.A was approved to the following:
Text that is italicized and purple represents additions

28. Appeals.
A.  Jurisdiction. The following decisions are subject to appeal to the specified Fraternity bodies:

1. Any adverse action taken by a Chapter Collegiate or by a Province Archon under his own authority or with his consent may be appealed to the chapter’s or the Province Archon’s Province Council.
2. Any adverse action, including on appeal, taken by a Province Council may be appealed to the Supreme Council.
3. Any adverse action, including on appeal, taken by the Supreme Council, may be appealed to the Fraternity Convention to comprise a final appeal by the accused, with such appeal to be heard by the Council of Province Archons sitting as a court composed of all the Province Archons present at the next regular session of the Fraternity Convention.
4. Only those adverse disciplinary actions taken by the Eminent Supreme Recorder expressly invoking the application of section 24 of Fraternity Laws may be appealed to the Supreme Council which shall have the sole discretion to exercise exclusive appellate jurisdiction over such decisions. Any appellate decision of the Supreme Council shall be final and no further appeal shall be permitted.  A Supreme Council majority vote shall be required to overturn the disciplinary decision of the Eminent Supreme Recorder.  All other actions taken by the Eminent Supreme Recorder in the performance of his duties as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fraternity are not subject to appeal under this section.