Grand Council Resolution on Legacy Membership

WHEREAS, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity has reached a stage in its development where many of its chapters are frequently faced with the issue of candidates who are relatives of members of Tau Kappa Epsilon, more commonly known as "legacies," or candidates who are recommended by members of Tau Kappa Epsilon; and

WHEREAS, although Tau Kappa Epsilon recognizes that these legacies or recommended individuals are frequently most interested in membership, chapters should not assume that these candidates will accept an invitation to membership because of their relationship to the Fraternity, nor should the chapter assume that such individuals be entitled to membership only on the basis of said relationship; and

WHEREAS, when a recommended candidate or legacy candidate has been brought to the attention of the chapter, the chapter members have an obligation to introduce themselves to the candidate and to investigate the possibility of extending him a bid. These individuals should be accorded careful attention and consideration as prospective members; and

WHEREAS, letters of recommendation submitted to the chapter by alumni on behalf of a prospective member should be courteously acknowledged.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that letters of recommendation from any alumnus or from any person outside the Fraternity warrant a written response from the Grammateus or Recruitment Committee Chairman acknowledging receipt of such; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the chapter make every effort to meet and objectively evaluate the candidate whose name has been submitted for the purpose of membership; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a reply be sent to the person making the recommendation, explaining whether or not the candidate was initiated into Tau Kappa Epsilon.