The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Alliance (LGBA) of the George
   Washington University (GW) exists to promote a positive and
   supportive atmosphere for the GW Gay community ("Gay" is hereby
   defined as individuals identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trangendered
   or transexual persons and their allies). Through educational
   programming, outreach and social events we seek to promote visibility
   and diversity as a means of challenging homophobia within the GW
   community.

   Article I

   Section I

   The official name of this organization is the Lesbian Gay Bisexual
   Alliance of the George Washington University. The organization is
   commonly referred to as LGBA.

   Article II

   Section I

   The purpose of LGBA is to promote visibility and diversity as a means
   of challenging homophobia within the GW community. Homophobia is
   defined as discrimination, prejudice, fear or hatred based on a person's
   sexual orientation or identification.

   Section II

   LGBA vows to abide by all University policies, with the implicit
   understanding that these policies do not discriminate on the basis of
   sexual orientation.

   Article III

   Section I

   Meetings and events are open to all members of the GW community.
   Organization membership is reserved for those individuals who attend
   at least one-third of all meetings. Membership lists are kept in strict
   confidence.

   Section II

   LGBA does not charge any dues. Members may withdraw from
   LGBA at any time by written notice to the Executive Board.

   Section III

   LGBA will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race,
   color, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation,
   veteran status, disability or any other personal characteristic.

   Article IV

   Section I

   The Executive Board is the governing body of the LGBA. Members of
   the Executive Board are required to attend weekly meetings involving
   event planning, organizational strategizing, determination of the use of
   resources, submission of an annual budget to the Student Association
   and accomplishment of other tasks as deemed necessary. Executive
   Board members are also required to establish and maintain two office
   hours each week for the purpose of fostering relationships with
   membership and fulfilling LGBA operations. Event and membership
   meeting attendance is also required.

   The Executive Board consists of five positions: two Executive
   Co-chairs, an Administrative Chair, Social-Educational Chair and a
   Financial Chair.

   The Executive Co-chairs are responsible for developing relations
   with the University and the GW Gay community, attending required
   meetings established by the University, maintaining biweekly meetings
   with LGBA advisor(s), managing group publicity, building alliances
   with other student groups and the Gay community at large as LGBA
   representatives, overseeing LGBA meetings and Executive Board
   meetings and other tasks as determined by the Executive Board. The
   division of these duties between the Co-chairs is to be determined by
   the two chairs in consultation with the Executive Board.

   The Administrative Chair is responsible for recording minutes of
   membership and Executive Board meetings, upkeep of LGBA
   archives, maintenance of LGBA digital resources, keeping the
   confidential list of voting members, the issue of a regular LGBA
   newsletter or update and other duties as deemed necessary by the
   Executive Board.

   The Social-Educational Chair is responsible for programming,
   including development, planning, scheduling, coordinating and
   implementation of social and educational events. The chair is also
   responsible for promoting event and meeting attendance and other
   duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

   The Financial Chair is responsible for maintaining financial records,
   keeping the Executive Board abreast of financial status, consulting with
   Student Association on financial matters, procuring co-sponsorship
   and outside donations and other duties as deemed necessary by the
   Executive Board.

   Article V

   Section I

   Executive Board officers are elected by voting members (those who
   have attended at least one-third of LGBA events at the close of
   nominations; standing Executive Co-chairs are not eligible to vote).
   Voting is done by secret ballot by two members who are not
   candidates for office. Terms shall extend from 01 May to 30 April of
   the following year. In order to qualify as a candidate, a voting member
   must be nominated and seconded. The nomination period shall extend
   for two weeks prior to the set election date as determined by the
   Executive Board. The election date must fall prior to 16 April of each
   academic year.

   Special elections will be held in the event of a mid-term vacancy. The
   nomination period shall extend for two weeks prior to the set election
   date as determined by the Executive Board.

   In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held.

   Executive Board members may be removed by a unanimous vote of
   the remaining Executive Board or by two-thirds of the voting
   members.

   A member of the Executive Board may resign their position by written
   notice to the remaining Executive Board.

   The LGBA advisor(s) serves as a sounding board for Executive Board
   decisions and is a resource for assistance in University matters.

   In matters of general concern, any voting member may propose a vote.
   It is the discretion of the Executive Board to delay said vote for
   consideration for a maximum of two weeks. In these matters, simple
   majority rules.

   Article VI

   Section I

   LGBA will finance its activities through an annual Student Association
   allocation and additional fund raising and donations. The organization
   will submit an annual budget to the Student Association. Financial
   records will be kept on-file in the LGBA office.

   Article VII

   Section I

   Any voting member may propose an amendment to this constitution.
   Amendments must be ratified by two-thirds of the voting members
   after a two-week consideration period.

   Section II

   This constitution shall be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the voting
   members.

   Section III

   The Executive Board must provide for the public review of the
   constitution at least once during the academic year, as well as submit
   the most current version of the constitution to the Campus Activities
   office each year.

   Effective 06 February 1997