Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International Social Media Policy (“Policy”)

Purpose
Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International (“DTP” or “Fraternity”) embraces social media as an important tool of fraternal engagement.  DTP also encourages its members to use social media in a personal capacity to reach out and share Fraternal information.  DTP recognizes the need to have a policy, which ensures that DTP members who use social media either on behalf of DTP, or in a personal capacity, have guidance as to the DTP’s expectations where the social media engagement is about or on the behalf of the Fraternity.

Social Network Sites, Social Media
For the purposes of this Policy social network sites include, but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Wikipedia, and web pages.  Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the internet, including a member’s individual or other web log or blog, journal or diary, personal or commercial web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or discussion boards, regardless of whether associated or affiliated with DTP, as well as any other form of electronic communication.


Responsibility
Members are personally responsible for their posts and should always think before posting.  In general, members should be civil to others and their opinions, show respect for individuals and not post personal information about others unless permission has been granted.  Members should maintain the confidentiality of private or confidential information, including confidential DTP information.

If a personal perspective on a matter related to the Fraternity is being relayed, be mindful that such commentary and opinion does not cause damage to DTP or its interests.  If you are discussing DTP or Fraternal business-related issues in your personal use of social media platforms, please be mindful of this Policy.  Even if a member is personally engaging on social media, a DTP affiliation on such member’s profile may affect the Fraternity as a whole.  It is important that readers understand when a member expresses personal opinions or views that those opinions or views are not necessarily those of the Fraternity.

If a member breaks a law, they may be personally liable.  Members should adhere to all local, state, and federal laws, and seek to conform to the cultural and behavioral norms, of the social media platform being.  Student Senates and student members are reminded to adhere applicable to school policies regarding social networking sites, policies, and procedures of any networking site.

Title
When creating a DTP Student Senate or Alumni Senate social network site, members should identify themselves properly. The title must contain both the Senate name and reference to Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International.
 
DTP Social Network Sites Content
Before creating online content, consider the risks, responsibilities and liabilities involved.  DTP social network sites are for posting Fraternal news, information, updates, events, and other relevant content and discussion, which may include member posts and information.  Posts that include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct, and are intended to bully, disparage, or harm the reputation of the Fraternity or individuals are considered inappropriate and will not be tolerated.  Social media posts that contribute to a hostile environment based on race, sex, disability, religion, or any other status protected by law also are not be tolerated.
 

The following may not be posted on a DTP social network site:

  • Privileged or private information.
  • Personal information about any individual who does not consent in writing to such posting. Any member may request that their picture or information not be published.
  • Postings that may be viewed as discriminatory, harassing, or cyber-bullying.
  • Disrespectful or negative comments.
  • An official DTP stance on religious, political, or social issues that is not supported by the Fraternity; however, this does not preclude a member from posting a notice of an event or speaker in which a stance is taken, case law or court rulings and opinions, or the like.
  • Content pertaining to illegal, unprofessional, or inappropriate conduct of a Senate or its members.
  • Music, links, or photos without license to use. 
  • Illegal content.

Members have a responsibility to:

  • Ensure posted content is not obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful to another person or entity, including about the Fraternity.
  • Keep the Fraternity’s reputation and interests from damage and/or from disrepute.
  • Unless specific authority is granted, refrain from making comments that represent an official DTP position.
  • Ensure that readers do not misconstrue personal views and opinions as those of the Fraternity.
  • Have polite online interaction with individuals and communities, etc., and be respectful of other opinions, even in times of heated discussion and debate.
  • Use reasonable precautions to ensure that posted content is correct and factually accurate.
  • Respect copyright, privacy, and other applicable laws when publishing on social media platforms.
  • Disclose only publicly available information or information that has been authorized for publication.

Breach & Further Information
Failure to follow this Policy may result in loss of access to and participation in DTP Social Network Sites, as well as rights to use of Fraternity Information, Content and Logos.

The absence of or lack of explicit reference to a specific site or conduct does not limit the extent of the application of this Policy. Especially where no guidelines exist, members and Senates should use their professional judgment.  If clarification is required about aspects of this Policy and how it may apply to certain circumstances, or if further guidance is needed, please contact the International Office.