Register now for the 2020 Virtual Fraternal Law Conference!

Even though we are not able to convene in person, this year’s conference will be as informative as ever. We are thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker will be Dr. E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University! Dr....
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Fighting to Defend Freedom of Association Rights for Fraternity Member is Not New

Tim Burke, Fraternal Law Partners, tburke@manleyburke.com   Purdue University adopted the following rule: No student is permitted to join or be connected as a member or otherwise with any so-called Greek or other college secret society; and as a condition...
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New Pike Study: Fraternity and Sorority Members Significantly More Engaged, Satisfied

(The following summary is reprinted with permission from the North American Interfraternity Conference. The study showcases the value and benefits of fraternity and sorority life. During these uncertain times with the both the pandemic and the Abolish Greek Live movement,...
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The Last Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Charges Related To The Death of Collin Wiant

Tim Burke, Fraternal Law Partners, tburke@manleyburke.com Collin Wiant died on November 12, 2018,in an apparent hazing incident compounded by the use of drugs. Now, two years later, the final defendants facing criminal charges relating to his death have plead guilty.[1]...
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IRS Proposed Group Exemption Rules

Amy Hebbeler, Fraternal Law Partners, Amy.Hebbeler@manleyburke.com Group exemptions are an efficient tool that tax-exempt organizations utilize, especially national fraternities and sororities, in streamlining the federal exemption process for their subordinates. Under a group exemption, subordinate organizations affiliated with a central...
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Bostock Decision and its Impact on Title IX

Micah Kamrass, Fraternal Law Partners, mkamrass@manleyburke.com On June 15, 2020 the Supreme Court of the United States decided an employment law case captioned Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia.[1]Ultimately, the Court held that Title VII’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis...
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The Unique Challenges of the Coming Year(s)

Tim Burke, Fraternal Law Partners, tburke@fraternallaw.com The upcoming academic year may be the most challenging in the history of collegiate fraternal organizations! Some campuses may not open, at least not in the traditional sense.  Those that do may not remain open...
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Following Defeats in Court, Harvard Abandons Its Anti-Fraternity and Sorority Policy

Tim Burke, Fraternal Law Partners, tburke@fraternallaw.com   Harvard, perhaps the most prestigious and powerful university in the country, has apparently given up its fight to punish its students who elect to join off-campus single sex organizations.  Facing litigation in both...
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Two Good Zoning Decisions – Newark Delaware Changes Course

Tim Burke, Fraternal Law Partners, tburke@fraternallaw.com The City of Newark, Delaware embarked on an effort to permanently shut down the Kappa Alpha house that was first occupied by students who were members of the fraternity at the University of Delaware...
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Positive Development in Pennsylvania Zoning Case

Jeffrey Rosario Turco, Law Office of Jeffrey Rosario Turco Another significant zoning victory has been allowed to stand by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Here is the report from Jeffrey Rosario Turco, an attorney from Chelsea, Massachusetts, who represented the Alpha...
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