Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Pennsylvania

I recently dropped the pledge process of a fraternity in college. I have dues that are made to be paid that i refuse to pay. However their policy says members that drop after a certain date (which I exceeded) must still pay. The thing is I was never a member, only a pledge. I never became a full member and therefore feel i do not need to pay these dues.

First off is there a way, I'd be able go by word of mouth from brothers of the fraternity to make the General Fraternity drop the fees. Also, if i refuse to pay the fees and make the choice to court, how will i stand up, or will they even take me to court over 280 dollars?


Asked on 5/02/12, 5:40 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys
John Dougherty John L Dougherty

The answer is, it depends.

Did you sign anything when joining? if so they have something solid t hold you accountable to.

It likely doesn't matter if you were ever initiated or not, if you agreed to pay $x if you stayed a part of the organization for so long, you owe it.

Now, for $280, I'm not sure how aggressive they would attempt to collect it, but they could potentially send the debt to a collection agency or attempt to take you to small claims court, but the effort, time and expense may not be worth it for them. If they do, you will have to prove you don't owe them... Which you've as much s admitted.

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Answered on 5/02/12, 11:30 pm


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