Proposal to Amend MESA's Bylaws
Voting eligible members present at the 2016 MESA Members Meeting in Boston on Friday, November 18, 2016, voted to move forward a resolution to amend MESA's Bylaws to a vote of the entire membership. Please see the summary of the proceedings of that meeting for background information.
The amendments propose to remove the wording, "non-political" from Article I, Section 2 on MESA's Nature and Objectives; and to add the clause, "in accordance with its status as a 501(c)(3) scientific, educational, literary, and charitable organization" to the end of Section 2.
The proposed changes are outlined below.
Current Language
ARTICLE I. NAME, NATURE, and OBJECTIVES
Section 2. Nature and Objectives. THE MIDDLE EAST STUDIES ASSOCIATION is a non-profit, non-political association that fosters the study of the Middle East, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom.
Proposed New Language
ARTICLE I. NAME, NATURE, and OBJECTIVES
Section 2. Nature and Objectives. THE MIDDLE EAST STUDIES ASSOCIATION is a non-profit, non-political association that fosters the study of the Middle East, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom in accordance with its status as a 501(c)(3) scientific, educational, literary, and charitable organization.
The issue is now before the membership for a vote.
Eligibility: Only Full members (Honorary Fellows, Fellows, and Students) are eligible to vote. Associate members are not eligible.
Deadline: to be counted, all ballots—electronic and by post—must be in the office of the Secretariat by no later than Wednesday, March 15, 2017 AT 11:59 P.M. MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME.
Instructions: You may cast your vote electronically below. A yes vote means that you approve of the bylaws amendments. A no vote means that you do not approve of the bylaws amendments. 2/3 of those voting must vote in the affirmative for the bylaws to be amended. If you would prefer a ballot be mailed to you, please request one from Sara Palmer at [email protected] or download one here.