We Gather Light To Scatter
Precepts and Canons of the Brotherhood
PRECEPTS of the BROTHERHOOD
The Fraternity’s honor, reputation, and existence ultimately are reflected by the deeds and actions of its Fellows towards each other and what its Fellows bring to the world at large.
Every Upsilonian is an integral part of the Brotherhood. All shall have the same fraternal rights and privileges. All shall be accorded equal respect and enjoy the same rights in whatever lands we meet.
Each Fellow is enjoined and expected to be guided by principles that engender pride in himself and his brothers. Honor is a fundamental value to be observed at all times and is protected by the Canons of the Brotherhood. The ability of the Brotherhood to educate, train and inspire outstanding leaders of character for the world at large is predicated upon the functional necessity of honesty.
The Brotherhood expects its Fellows to commit to a lifetime of honorable living. All Fellows shall strive to live far above the minimum standard of behavior and develop a commitment to ethical principles guiding moral actions.
Any subject that may bring dissension and ill feeling among Fellows should be avoided and its debate stopped upon the request of a Fellow.
The test of brotherhood teaches one to "know thyself" and not to limit oneself, for these are tools to drive out fear, unsteadiness and ultimately mistakes that may bring one to disaster.
Any infraction of the Canons of the Brotherhood by a Fellow shall not be tolerated, and will subject him to a hearing by his peers.
CANONS of the BROTHERHOOD
I. Fellows of the Brotherhood do not lie, cheat, steal or take advantage of one another and shall not tolerate those who do. The honor of the Brotherhood belongs to everyone and every Fellow is obliged to ensure its observance.
II. They shall give comfort to each other in times of distress to the best of their abilities.
III. Respect for the experience of his older Brothers should lead to recognition of their expertise and should instill loyalty to their peers and the Fraternity, for this is the fountainhead of the continued existence of the brotherhood. Senior Fellows shall be attentive to the needs of their younger brothers and nurture their growth and development.
IV The Brotherhood is a circle of friends and gentlemen, where politeness is the rule rather than the exception. Fellows shall conduct themselves as gentlemen, neither abusing one another nor bringing shame to each other before their brothers or the world at large
V. Trust becomes sacred and integrity becomes a requisite quality for each Fellow. A Fellow’s word is his bond. A Fellow who is not trustworthy cannot be tolerated.
(Adopted by the Assembly of Fellows at the Otso Otso Meeting, August 12, 2006)
RESOLUTION: 2006 NUMBER ONE ADOPTED ON AUGUST 12, 2006
CANONS OF THE BROTHERHOOD
WHEREAS, Rules of conduct or ethical codes set guidelines for how members of societies or professionals should act in dealing with each other and with their public. Certain groups also invoke the legacy of their traditions and historical evolution to show that ethical conduct is the very foundation of their existence and continued relevance to the public and to each other. Some guidelines may codify longstanding and approved practices, which are formally established to guard against dangers of laxity and changes in their observance. Societies and professional groups have an incentive to develop ethical codes or guidelines to dissuade members from bringing unintended consequences of their careless actions to their profession and organizations. Such thoughtless actions may result in undesirable effects on the stature and public standing of their organizations and affect the public’s regard that their members have in their social intercourse among their fellow countrymen. Undesirable conduct that may cause institutional decay is discouraged by enacting disciplinary measures.
WHEREAS, Rules of conduct are enforced through ethics or professional conduct committees, which can impose sanctions such as fines, censure, withdrawal or suspension of group membership privileges or participation in group activities. They can also require members to make reparations to those they have offended in breach of a code or to undertake instruction in professional ethics. Codes of conduct or ethics are becoming more widely adopted as various organizations seek to assure the public that their members are required to adhere to ethical practices.
WHEREAS, Recent events within our society has indicated the clear need to provide some members of our Society with guidance to remind them of their traditional values and practices, and to enunciate with clarity the principles or conduct that are expected from members of the society in their social intercourse with each other. Such is the expectation of many members that breach of the ethos of fellowship and good manners requires that punitive or corrective justice be available to prevent recidivism and recalcitrant tendencies.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of the UPSILON SIGMA PHI, North America in an Assembly of the Members at a meeting held on August 12, 2006, do hereby adopt the Canons of the Brotherhood for the observance and guidance of the Fellows of the Society.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any willful transgression of the Canons of the Brotherhood by any member of the Society shall subject a member to a hearing by a Committee authorized by the bylaws, members and by the Board of Directors of the Society. The Committee shall conduct a hearing to determine the culpability of the member and make a report to the Board of Directors of the Society.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Committee shall be measured and suitable for the offense committed such as requiring monetary fines, verbal apology; written apology to be given to the offended party; censure, reprimand, or suspension from the rolls of the Society for a limited period or other measures at the discretion of the Committee, with a record of the disciplinary measure made a part of the official records of the member of the society. Any recommendation for removal of the member from the rolls of the Society shall be reported to the Board of Directors who shall conduct a hearing and make its recommendation to the Assembly of Members for their action and decision in accordance with 3.05 of the USPNA Bylaws. Any action by the Assembly shall be reported to the USPAA.
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