Newly minted Franklin Bill outlines the rights of new members

Denni Toneva, Issue 6, News - By Denni Toneva on Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 03:38

The Franklin Society passed a New Member Bill of Rights on Sunday, Oct. 3. This new document, which is included in the Franklin Society’s constitution outlines and states the rights that potential new members will have during their New Member Education (N.M.E.) otherwise referred to as pledging.

This document has been in the making since the spring. The different rights, which are outlined in this bill, include the new members’ right to safe activities, appropriate clothing and adequate sleep and food.

The Franklin pledges will also hold the right to an alcohol and sexual harassment-free program, during which they are not mentally or physically abused and which does not hinder them from fulfilling their academic duties.

These rights coincide with regulations which are already stated and enforced by Whittier College and the state of California.

The Franklin Society President, senior Justin Valero, describes this as an independent action formalizing and implementing what already exists.

“We do not want [Whittier College] to come to us questioning our organization and asking if we are violating any rules,” Valero said. “This is the standard to which we are going to judge ourselves before anybody else judges us. We prefer to take ownership and enforce from within.”

The Franklins have been redesigning their N.M.E. program since their suspension in 2005.
While no society has ever made their pledging public, they hope to start a new trend that could extend to other societies. Senior Ryan McPherson, who pledged with the Franklins in 2006, supports Valero and the society’s position.
“This is something which has already been in the making during the past few years since our suspension, but now that it is formal, it will help protect pledges’ rights in the future,” McPherson said.

Valero does anticipate some criticism from alumni, who stand behind tradition, but he does not think this should be the case. “Pledging needs to evolve,” Valero said. “We can’t go beyond what is the scope of the law and basic decency. What benefit comes from that? Pledging is about personal growth and development but hazing does not allow for that process to take place.”

ISC co-chair and Sachsen Society president James Lott supports the Franklins in their endeavor. “I think they are trying to set a really good example for other societies,” Lott said. “They’re ensuring that hazing never happens. They are working towards really constructive ends by ensuring that their program is fulfilling its goals rather than creating power dichotomies between actives and pledges.”