SCS Policy on Public Statements
Among the powers of the Board of Directors is the right to issue public statements about important matters on behalf of the SCS. From time to time the Board receives requests from SCS members or from other organizations to issue official public statements on a particular issue or otherwise to take positions concerning such issues. To ensure that the Board handles all such requests fairly, deliberately, and with dispatch, the following Policy on Public Statements has been adopted:
The SCS may issue a public statement when an issue is identified as consistent with the organization’s Mission Statement (Article 2 of the Bylaws), which reads “The object for which the Society is organized is to advance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the ancient Greek and Roman world and its enduring value.” These objectives are understood to include (but are by no means restricted to) maintaining the integrity of historical documents and artifacts, fostering communication and exchange among teachers and scholars, defending the fair and professional treatment of all members of the profession, and advocacy for the study of Classics and the humanities in general.
In addition, the SCS should stand ready to support its sister organizations in defending the rights of scholars and teachers from all fields in ways consistent with the stated principles of the SCS. Normally the SCS will not issue public statements on issues that fall outside of the scope and concerns of the organization.
SCS members or non-members may petition the Board to issue a formal public statement about an issue of concern. Such requests should be forwarded to the President or the Executive Director. Requests must provide a clear and compelling rationale for the proposed course of action, and demonstrate how the proposed action falls within the mission of the SCS and conforms to the stated policies of the Society.
The President may refer the matter for discussion to the Executive Committee or another subcommittee before the matter is brought to the whole Board for decision. The Board of Directors must approve any public statement to be issued on behalf of the SCS. When, however, a speedy response is necessary, at his or her discretion the President may issue a statement upon recommendation from the Executive Committee only. As with other decisions of the Board, only the President or the Executive Director is authorized to issue the statement in the appropriate venues.
Policy approved by Board, 9/17/16