During the 76th Annual Convention held August 15–18, 1974, ZBT approved legislation establishing a Code. The Code includes the rules, regulations, and laws of the Fraternity not otherwise provided for in the Constitution or By–Laws, and the Code included, at its inception, the rules, regulations, and laws as adopted by previous conventions. Since its creation, the Code regularly undergoes updates and revisions as needed. The Supreme Council makes and votes on these changes.

This year, at the 121^st Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado, the ZBT Supreme Council revised the Code. The main revisions were done to reflect the standards set forth by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). ZBT is a member of the NIC’s Governing Council.  These standards were unanimously accepted by all 66 NIC member organizations.

A complete copy of the newly revised Fraternity Code can be accessed on the Fraternity’s website, but the most important changes include:

1. Codification of the Fraternity’s Nondiscrimination Policy. ZBT Brothers respect the dignity of all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of sexual identity, race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.  Fraternity Code §§ 1-1-1 & 1-7-1(II).
2. Codification of the Increase in Required GPA to 2.70. To join or remain a Brother of the Fraternity, a man must maintain a 2.70 or better GPA.  Fraternity Code §§ 1-1-2 & 1-7-1(IV).
3. Codification of the Fraternity’s Prohibition Against Hard Liquor. Fraternity Code § 1-4-1(b) prohibits alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (ABV) on Fraternity premises and at Fraternity events.
4. Codification of the Fraternity’s “Good Samaritan” Policy. Fraternity Code § 1-4-1(k) protects from expulsion any Brother, Chapter, or Colony “who requests immediate and appropriate emergency medical assistance” for a person in need and any Brother requiring such assistance, even if the protected Brother, Chapter, or Colony contributed to creating the need for emergency medical assistance.  In enacting this policy several months ago, the Fraternity followed the trend of an increasing number of colleges and universities enacting such policies to encourage the timely reporting of medical emergencies.

The first monthly consultant call with Chapter and Colony leaders and advisors will address the Code revisions.  The Fraternity will be also hosting educational webinars for members and advisors this fall. Our goal is to equip the membership with the knowledge to make good decisions and choices.

If you have any questions about the changes, please do not hesitate to discuss the matter with your Chapter Advisor or President or reach out to Fraternity staff.