Constitution for Students for Justice in Palestine

Kent State University Chapter

ARTICLE I: Name
The name of this organization shall be Students for Justice in Palestine-Kent State University Chapter
(SJP-KSU).
ARTICLE II: Purpose
Section 1: Mission Statement
The purpose of this student-based organization is to raise awareness within the Kent community on issues
pertaining to the Palestinian people. Our group works towards telling the story of the Palestinian people.
It is our conviction that the Palestinian narrative has been misunderstood and underrepresented in the
United States. For that reason we hope to be an active educating voice within the Kent State community
and to gather support for this cause.
Section 2: Activities
The organization shall coordinate and promote activities such as cultural events, lectures and
presentations, discussion panels, movie showings, exhibitions, letter writings and petitions etc. The
organization will also hold fundraising events in support of our goals and in compliance with our mission
statement.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section 1: General
Membership in the organization shall be open to any and all students, faculty, and staff at Kent State
University without regard to factors such as: religion, sexual orientation, race, nationality, gender or age.
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) also welcomes members of the Kent community who choose to
learn about Palestinian issues without taking on a voting role.
Section 2: Membership Type
There are two types of membership:
I)
Active Membership: Active members are to attend meetings regularly and participate in the
different events and activities held by the organization. They are also encouraged to take a leading role in
the organization and be proactive in the planning and preparation of events and activities alongside the
officers. With active membership comes full floor and voting privileges on any and all items of the

organizations affairs, including resolutions, items of legislation, bylaws, and elections. Maintaining
active membership requires that active members miss no more than two regular meetings and one event
per semester. The only exception that will be made is when two members of the executive committee
agree in advance, given a reasonable excuse. If active member fails to abide by this rule, their status may
be changed to inactive membership by majority vote of the executive committee.
II)
Inactive Membership:
Inactive members are those that show interest in the
organizations purpose and activities, but do not want to take on an active role. They are not required to
attend meetings or events and will not be eligible to hold office or vote. The benefits of being an inactive
member are receiving e-mails on the progress of the organization as well as possibly receiving invitations
to be involved in various events. Inactive members may become active members by fulfilling all the
requirements listed above. They may be eligible to run for office after fulfilling the obligations of an
active member for at least one semester. In order to attend meetings, inactive members may not take part
in anti-Palestinian activities. Those activities include, but are not limited to: disrupting meetings, making
racist or abusive statements, hostility towards others, and generally disruptive behavior. They must abide
by all rules set forth by SJP.
Section 3: Eligibility for membership
In order to become eligible for members of this organization, a new member must clearly demonstrate
their willingness to work within the frame of the mission statement and purpose of the organization.
Section 4: Termination of Membership
Any member, active or inactive, may be removed from membership for violation of the purpose of the
organization either by a two-thirds majority vote of the active membership or via a unanimous decision by
the executive committee. All members will be notified of the pending action at least one week prior to the
removal decision. Violation of purpose includes, but is not limited to: the intention to disrupt meetings,
uncivilized behavior, hostility to the opinions of other members and non-members, misrepresentation of
the organizations purpose, the intention to harm the organization and its reputation, and/or providing
non-public organization-related material to individuals outside of membership.
ARTICLE IV: Officers/ Executive Committee
Section 1: General
The Executive Committee shall consist of the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Social Media Coordinator. The officers are responsible for all administrative duties of the
organization, and are expected to work together in such a way that fosters an atmosphere of unity.
Officers are to take over for each other when necessary, and shall set a good example of leadership to
other groups members and the entire Kent State family. Failure to perform duties in a respectful and
responsible manner shall result in a potential termination of membership.
Section 2: President

The Presidents duties include: maintaining the operation of organizations procedures, calling for and
running meetings, creating events to educate Kent State students and faculty, serve as the tie-breaker in
any member votes, and any other duties that do not fall under the jurisdiction of other officers or
members.
Section 3: Vice President
The Vice Presidents duties include: Corresponding with any media outlets or other student groups, taking
over for the President in case he/she cannot fulfill their duties, making sure that the other officers are
working together appropriately, and working with the President in the creation of events on campus.
Section 4: Secretary
The duties of the Secretary include: taking meeting notes, maintaining record of meeting notes,
coordinating group events, documenting any issues that may arise outside of meetings, and counting votes
in all elections.
Section 5: Treasurer
The duties of the Treasurer include: maintaining detailed financial records of the group, establishing a
budget per semester as well as per event, coordinating fund raising events with other officers, reporting
financial transactions at all meetings, and managing any cash the group may have on hand.
Section 6: Media Coordinator
The duties of the Media Coordinator include: Running social media aspects of the organization (i.e.
Twitter and Facebook), designing flyers to advertise group events and/or meetings, and designing floor
plans for events on campus.
ARTICLE V: Elections and voting
Section 1: Elections
Elections for officer positions shall be held halfway through the spring semester, and be done via a secret
ballot. If any officer should leave their position, voluntarily or involuntarily, elections will be held
immediately with an interim position filled by majority decision of the Executive Committee. In order to
be nominated for an officer position, members must be an active member in good standing. Quorum shall
be set at 2/3 of active members and 4 officers.

Section 2: Amendments

Any amendments to this constitution shall be made by obtaining a 2/3 majority vote at general meetings,
only after a one week notice has been given regarding said amendments. Amendments shall be given
ample time to be debated before the vote, and written comments and remarks by active members who
cannot attend shall be read or summarized during the debate.
Section 3: Appointments
Committees shall be appointed based on need by a 4/5 majority of the Executive Committee. Committees
will be responsible for various activities and for reporting to meetings about expenses, goals, progress,
and other important issues regarding their specific task.
ARTICLE VI: Meetings and Funding
Section 1: Meetings
Meetings will be held twice a month during Spring and Fall semesters with additional meetings being
called on as needed. The timing and length of meetings will be determined by The Executive Committee
based on the schedules of officers as well as active members of the group. The Executive Committee will
meet prior to each general meeting, in order to organize the meeting and make any decisions that must be
debated or discussed by members.
Section 2: Funding
There are no dues for being a member of SJP-Kent. Any funding requirements shall be met by
recommendation of the Treasurer and approval of the Executive Committee and active club members.