Code of Conduct

Article I: Purpose

The Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior required of all members, leaders, and participants of the Foundational Black American Union.

Its purpose is to:

  • Protect the integrity of the organization
  • Maintain discipline and unity
  • Ensure professionalism in all actions
  • Prevent internal disruption and misconduct
  • Uphold the Constitution, bylaws, and mission

Article II: General Standards of Conduct

All members and leaders shall:

  • Act with honesty, integrity, and discipline
  • Represent the organization respectfully in public and private
  • Uphold the Constitution, bylaws, and organizational structure
  • Promote unity and avoid unnecessary division
  • Engage in lawful civic and organizational activity
  • Support the mission and long term goals of the organization

Article III: Leadership Standards

Leaders hold a higher standard of responsibility.

All leaders shall:

  • Serve the organization before personal interest
  • Exercise authority responsibly and fairly
  • Maintain professionalism at all times
  • Avoid misuse of position or influence
  • Communicate clearly and truthfully
  • Protect the credibility and reputation of the organization

Article IV: Member Responsibilities

Members shall:

  • Provide truthful information during membership and verification
  • Respect leadership and organizational structure
  • Participate in good faith
  • Avoid behavior that harms the organization
  • Support fellow members in a constructive manner

Article V: Prohibited Conduct

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

1. Misrepresentation

  • Falsifying lineage or identity
  • Providing false documentation
  • Misrepresenting the organization or its leadership

2. Abuse of Authority

  • Using leadership position for personal gain
  • Intimidation or coercion
  • Acting beyond assigned authority

3. Disruptive Behavior

  • Intentional division within the organization
  • Repeated bad faith participation
  • Undermining leadership or structure

4. Public Misconduct

  • Actions that damage the reputation of the organization
  • Unauthorized public statements presented as official positions
  • Behavior that contradicts organizational values

5. Non Compliance

  • Refusal to follow the Constitution, bylaws, or leadership directives
  • Operating outside the organizational structure

Article VI: Disciplinary System

Section 1. Disciplinary Authority

The Disciplinary Committee shall:

  • Review violations
  • Investigate complaints
  • Recommend or enforce action

Section 2. Levels of Enforcement

Disciplinary action shall be applied based on severity:

Level 1: Warning

  • Issued for minor violations
  • Written notice provided

Level 2: Suspension

  • Temporary removal of rights or leadership authority
  • May include removal from committees or roles

Level 3: Removal

  • Removal from leadership or membership
  • Loss of organizational privileges

Level 4: Permanent Ban

  • Permanent removal from the organization
  • No reentry permitted

Section 3. Investigation Process

  1. Complaint is submitted
  2. Disciplinary Committee reviews evidence
  3. Individual is given opportunity to respond
  4. Decision is made based on facts and organizational rules

Section 4. Emergency Action

In urgent situations, leadership may:

  • Temporarily suspend an individual
  • Restrict participation

Pending formal review

Article VII: Appeals Process

Individuals subject to disciplinary action may:

  • Submit an appeal
  • Provide additional evidence
  • Request secondary review

Final decisions shall be made by designated authority.

Article VIII: Confidentiality

All disciplinary matters shall:

  • Be handled with discretion
  • Protect sensitive information
  • Be limited to authorized individuals

Article IX: Organizational Integrity

All members and leaders share responsibility for maintaining:

  • Unity
  • Discipline
  • Credibility
  • Stability

The strength of the Foundational Black American Union depends on the conduct of its members.

Article X: Final Statement

Membership and leadership within the Black American Union is a position of responsibility.

All individuals are expected to act in a manner that reflects:

  • Integrity
  • Discipline
  • Respect for the people and the mission

Failure to meet these standards will result in enforcement under this Code of Conduct.