The Constitution of the Liberal Students Organization of MSOE

Article I

Section 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Liberal Students Organization of MSOE, hereafter referred to as the Organization or the LSO.

Section 2: Purposes

The purpose of the organization is to provide awareness to the MSOE student population and Milwaukee Area to the goals and causes of liberalism in politics and public policy. We plan to hold fundraisers, social events, and rallies to promote our cause.

Article II

Section 1: Qualification for membership

We do reserve the right to deny anybody based on lack of open mindedness, religious intolerance, apathy and/or lack of empathy, and lack of sense of humor. Otherwise, membership is open to anyone who wishes to join. Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and MSOE policies, this organization and its subordinate bodies and officers shall not discriminate for or against anyone on the basis of race, gender, religion, culture, or sexual orientation.

Section 2: Responsibilities of members

All members are required to:

Maintain a sense of humor at all times.

Help plan and execute campaigns for the LSO.

Article III

Section 1: The Officers of the Organization

There are seven positions for officers in the LSO. They are as follows:

President – Responsibilities include: Leading the Organization in planning campaigns. Maintains list of all current members, and is responsible for communication from the officers to the members. Also responsible for obtaining necessary permits and passes for functions. Collaborating with Vice President to assign duties for the other officers.

Vice President – Responsibilities include: Keeping the members motivated and keeping the organization out of trouble. Also responsible for collaborating with President to assign duties for the other officers.

Secretary – Record keeper and additional responsibilities as assigned by the President and Vice President.

Treasurer – Controls the flow of money, maintains account records, and additional responsibilities as assigned by the President and Vice President.

Comptroller – Audits Treasurer and additional responsibilities as assigned by the President and Vice President.

Internal Affairs – Maintains adhesion to the LSO constitution by members, is in charge of impeachment proceedings, and additional responsibilities as assigned by the President and Vice President.

Public Relations – Promotes the functions of the LSO and additional responsibilities as assigned by the President and Vice President.

Section 2: Election of Officers

The terms of the officers shall be no longer than 12 months except in the case of the initial officers of the organization where by the officers are subjected to a term of 5 months so that the elections can be done within one month of the new school year. Officers will be elected by the members of the Organization during month of April of each school year. To be eligible for an officer position, you must have been officially registered as a member for 10 weeks. All votes will count the same, regardless of family income and recounts will happen without partisan interference.

Article IV

Section 1: Voting and Decision making Process

The decision making process of the LSO is to be as follows:

All members have one vote to all decisions that involve the entire Organization. In these proceedings, anybody not present is not to be included in the voting process. In the event of a tie vote, the Organization will rely on the Vice President of the LSO to make the final decision.

Section 2:

The Organization will conduct all regular meetings at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. We, the LSO will meet weekly as of the creation of this document at 7:00pm on Wednesdays.

Section 3:

All members of the LSO must be notified at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting for it to be considered a regular meeting. Regular meetings must have a vote of 2/3 of the members present for a decision to pass. In the event that a decision must be made in less than 48 hours, at least 5 officers must vote in favor for a decision to pass.

Article V

Section 1:

These articles may be amended by a vote of 2/3 of the members present at a regular or at a special meeting called for that purpose. A notice and a copy of any proposed amendment shall be distributed to all members at least 2 meetings prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. The members shall be notified of adopted constitutional amendments by the most feasible means. Amendments may be submitted by any member.

Due to the nature of some of the activities planned and executed by the Organization, satire, humor, and political commentary can sometimes be confused with harassment or malice. While staying in compliance with Article 1, Section 16 & 17 of the Whole Student Life Handbook, the Organization understands the sometimes overlapping conflict between free speech and harassment. The Organization in no way intends to harass or belittle anyone. But, in the interest of the Organization, it must be recognized that tactics like satire, sarcasm, spoofing and other forms of humor are to be taken lightly and in no way meant to hurt anyone. These actions are purely for drawing attention to our cause. If a person or persons is offended by the act the Organization we suggest that they bring it to the attention of the officers in the Organization.

Article VI

Section 1: Impeachment Process

Members may bring about an impeachment of another member by filing a complaint with Internal Affairs. Internal Affairs will then investigate the claim and decide if impeachment proceedings need to be brought up at a later meeting. This meeting is to take place at least 8 days after the complaint is made, but within 35 days of the complaint.

Section 2:

A vote of 2/3 of attending members attending the impeachment proceedings is required to impeach the member.

Section 3:

In the event that the complaint is being filed against the Internal Affairs officer, the President assumes the duties of the Internal Affairs officer.