Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Maryland

I am currently a student at the University of Maryland, College Park. I use to be in the fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu, but the fraternity was disbanded by the national headquarters. We no longer go by the name Sigma Alpha Mu or its nickname "SAM". Some of the old members and I have planned a weekend where we could go away and bring our girlfriends or just friends that are girls, but there is a big problem. The PHA (the greek administration for sororities) is telling these girls that if they attend "SAM Away Weekend" - which we never deemed it nor will ever call it such - there will be serious consequences for them and their sororities. They also said that they recommend going to another fraternity that was kicked off campus known as ZBT/OZ. Is it legal for the school to tell girls who they can and cannot socialize with?


Asked on 11/21/11, 10:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paula McGill Paula McGill Attorney at Law

Depending on the circumstances, it appears the University is violating the young womens' First Amendment Rights (Freedom of Association). However, it sounds strange that the school would care who they spend their free time with during the weekends. If they want to dispute the PHA demands, they should complain and appeal to the next level up.

However, the problem might be as simple as designating the activity as a "SAM Away Weekend." Stop using the name SAM, plan another activity, and they might leave the women alone.

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Answered on 11/21/11, 5:52 pm


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