Constitution of E-Quality

Preamble

Being Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay or Transgender is an understanding that people come to of themselves. With this understanding comes the necessity that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people know that they can live whole, meaningful and productive lives.

The name E-Quality will be used in reference to the group outlined in the following articles. This document was submitted to the Student Services Committee on November, 1996.

This organization is comprised of Lesbians, Bisexuals, Gays, Transexuals and Heterosexuals. It is the purpose of E-Quality to foster acceptance and support for self-identified Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. E-Quality exists to address the needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people within the University of Minnesota, Morris and the broader community. E-Quality hopes to increase sensitivity to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues within the heterosexual community, while at the same time create a safe environment for its members. E-Quality respects the rights of the individuals, including the right to privacy. Membership in E-Quality and/or participation in its events can in no way be an indicator of sexual orientation or behavior.

All persons shall have equal access to E-Quality programs, facilities and membership without regard to race, physical disability, religion, color, sex, national origin, veteran status, or sexual and affectional preference.
E-Quality will have two types of members: voting and non-voting.
New members are welcome in E-Quality without obligation. By participating in E-Quality programs members are agreeing to respect the individual rights of other members, including the right to privacy.
Any member of E-Quality may relinquish his/her membership at any time without justification or prejudice.
Members of E-Quality will be considered in good standing by attending E-Quality meetings. Membership in E-Quality will be terminated upon two consecutive quarters of absence from E-Quality meetings or events during the academic year.

Only voting members are eligible to hold offices in E-Quality. If circumstances make it feasible or necessary, voting members may hold more than one office. Also, offices may be held jointly by members.
The offices of E-Quality include, but are not limited to:
Rules for elections.
An officer may at any time relinquish office. If this occurs, an election to fill the vacancy will occur. The length of term for such an election will be for the remaining period of the previous officer's term. An officer of E-Quality may be recalled if a majority of the voting members feel that the present officer is unable to fulfill the duties of the office. Recall of an officer may be decided upon as a matter of policy (see below).
All voting members will have equal representation in creating E-Quality policy. All proposals and/or resolutions will be submitted to members for debate and discussion of matters of policy. Policy issues must be approved by a simple majority of voting members present after which a written statement of intent will be drawn up and adhered to until such time as the policy is revised and nullified.

A majority vote will be needed to amend the E-Quality constitution.
Any member may propose discussion of policy revision, including new policy. This proposal must be submitted in writing a minimum of two weeks prior to its discussion at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Anyone wishing to submit an amendment to the E-Quality constitution may do so in writing to an E-Quality administrator who will bring it before E-Quality members for consideration. It will then be decided upon by a simple majority of voting members present.
Amendments to the E-Quality constitution are subject to approval by the SCC (Student Services Committee).