BSM Membership Standards

The Black Student Movement was founded in 1967 with a goal “to strive for the continued existence of unity among all its members.” Recent events on our campus and around the globe have unfortunately reminded us that there’s significant work to still be done in creating and fostering environments that are truly safe and inclusive for all. Fifty-three years after its founding, our organization remains committed to that initial goal of unity and seeks to reaffirm that commitment by sharing updated membership standards and internal processes that work to build a safer community.

The Black Student Movement is especially committed to building a culture that centers survivors of interpersonal violence and denounces individuals who perpetrate these harmful acts. We recognize that in our organization’s history, it has not always fostered an environment where every member of our community feels safe and supported. We apologize for our organization's shortcomings in this facet and are dedicated to rebuilding a sense of trust between BSM, survivors, and our community at large.

This commitment and these updated membership standards are two of many steps our organization is taking to strengthen our mission, foster safer environments, and ensure the sustainability and longevity of the Black Student Movement. As we work to review our organization’s Constitution, these standards will be reflected in that document and all members of our organization will be expected to uphold these values.

Membership Standards:

A member and/or leader of the Black Student Movement must respect all individuals, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and physical attributes. Hate speech, harmful rhetoric, or violent actions that harm other individuals on the basis of their identity have no place in our organization.

Any members found to be engaging in hate speech, harmful rhetoric, or violent actions are considered in violation of our Membership Standards. Examples of hate speech and harmful rhetoric include, but are not limited to, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, racism, colorism, texturism, classism, fatphobia, and other forms of prejudice.

The Black Student Movement condemns any and all forms of violence with the utmost seriousness. This includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional, mental, verbal, and sexual violence. Furthermore, harassment, bullying, shaming, or blaming individuals affected by this violence will not be tolerated.

Whether these actions take place at an in-person event, virtually, on social media, or elsewhere in our community, our members are expected to uphold our Membership Standards at all times.

Removal Procedures:

The Executive Board of the Black Student Movement reserves the right to remove members from our organization and to revoke their right to rejoin the organization at any time. In accordance with university policy, this process includes immediate written notification to that member of their removal, with a seven-day period in which the Executive Board will review the conduct of that member for violation of our Membership Standards. During this period, the member in question may choose to provide a written appeal to the Executive Board regarding their removal. However, BSM still reserves the right to remove said member upon completion of this process. Additionally, the member in question will not be allowed to attend or participate in BSM programming during this period.

As a part of our effort to maintain a safe environment within our organization community, violations of our Membership Standards can be reported by bringing forth a concern to the President or Vice President of the Executive Board or submitting our anonymous reporting form. This form will be made available and shared on our website, social media pages, and at the beginning of all events and programming. If during an event an individual reports that a member or attendee is someone who contributes to an unsafe or unhealthy environment or has violated our Membership Standards, they will be immediately removed from that setting in order to prevent or mitigate any harm and to initiate a review of that individual’s violation. If said individual is found to be in violation of our Membership Standards, the removal process will be initiated.

The Black Student Movement may see fit to update or edit these standards to stay consistent with our mission and the goals of our organization. These standards shall always remain available to our members by way of our website and the Heel Life portal. All members of the Black Student Movement will be provided with these standards to agree to. Moving forward, all new members will be required to read and acknowledge these standards upon joining the organization.

Please fill in the information below to acknowledge you have read our Membership Standards and pledge to uphold them as long as you are a part of the Black Student Movement.