Adopted on August 2, 2024
PREAMBLE
We, the supporters of Israel at Harvard Law School, recognizing the need to foster positive, truthful, and responsible discussion of issues affecting the Jewish State; recognizing the need to advocate for the State of Israel; and recognizing the need to stand up to anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it arises; do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution of the Harvard Law School Alliance for Israel.
ARTICLE I—Establishment
§ 1. This organization shall be known as “Harvard Law School Alliance for Israel” (“Alliance for Israel”).
ARTICLE II—Purposes and Principles
§ 1. Alliance for Israel is dedicated to promoting pro-Israel advocacy and supporting pro-Israel students at Harvard Law School.
§ 2. Alliance for Israel is dedicated to combating anti-Semitism in all forms it manifests. The organization defines anti-Semitism as outlined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016 (“IHRA definition”). This includes adopting all examples given by the IHRA definition.
ARTICLE III—Membership
§ 1. Active membership is open to current Harvard Law School students, faculty, staff, and those pursuing joint or concurrent degrees with Harvard Law School, wishing to contribute to the Purposes and Principles of Alliance for Israel.
§ 2. An individual must have attended two events per semester and been enrolled on Alliance for Israel’s mailing list to be considered an active member. Active members must adhere to our Purposes and Principles. The Executive Committee may waive any requirement, other than adherence to Purposes and Principles, to consider an individual an active member.
§ 3. Individuals engaged in activities that would be considered anti-Semitic as defined in Article II, § 2 shall be barred from being members of Alliance for Israel.
ARTICLE IV— Executive Committee and Officers
§ 1. Alliance for Israel shall have an Executive Committee, consisting of the following positions. Positions are to be held by active members of Alliance for Israel. Each member of the Executive Committee shall hold office upon election or by appointment until a new member is elected or appointed in their place. By unanimous consent of the Executive Committee, positions may be added to the Executive Committee, and/or two people may hold one position and share responsibilities. However, the position of President shall generally be held by only one person, except under extraordinary circumstances.
President: The President shall lead the Executive Committee, call meetings, serve as parliamentarian at Election Meetings and Amendment Quorums, set forth budget decisions, and coordinate the general business of Alliance for Israel. The President shall serve as the primary liaison of Alliance for Israel and all other entities.
Vice President of Operations (hereinafter “Treasurer”): The Treasurer shall maintain and submit financial records, ensure approved-expense reimbursement, and request annual funding from the Student Funding Board. The Treasurer shall assume responsibilities of the President in the event that the President is unable to fulfill their duties.
Vice President of Communications: The Vice President of Communication shall assist the President in the President’s various duties and oversee the work of Officers in matters related to communications, recruitment, engagement, and other social functions.
§ 2. Alliance for Israel shall have additional Officers constituting the “General Board.” Officer positions are to be held by active members of Alliance for Israel. Each Officer shall hold office upon election or by appointment for one academic year, and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment for the same or a subsequent position if other election requirements are met. The President may change the following positions and/or add new ones at any point.
Events Logistics and Tabling Officer: The Events Logistics and Tabling Officer shall oversee logistical planning for events, including creating and putting up flyers, ordering food, and managing event setup and takedown. The Officer is to ensure that functions run smoothly and are well-attended, and manage tabling efforts.
Firm Relations and Fundraising Officer: The Firm Relations and Fundraising Officer shall organize monthly coffee chats with firm partners, coordinate events with firms, and conduct outreach to potential donors on a regular, defined basis. The Officer is responsible for securing funding and fostering relationships with legal professionals.
External Relations Officer: The External Relations Officer shall manage relationships with other organizations, coordinate events with affinity groups, oversee co-sponsorship efforts, and handle outreach initiatives. The Officer shall organize at least one event per semester and facilitate informal coffee chats with members twice a year.
Social Events Officer: The Social Events Officer shall plan social events for the board and general membership, help celebrate birthdays and milestones, and organize an event for outgoing third-year students. The Officer shall send thank-you notes to speakers and collaborators and organize engagement in important commemorations and events.
Communications Officer: The Communications Officer shall be responsible for creating and distributing the weekly newsletter and maintaining communication platforms. The Officer is to ensure that members are informed about upcoming events, updates, and general information related to Alliance for Israel.
Social Media Officer: The Social Media Officer shall manage Alliance for Israel's social media presence, with a focus on outreach to first-year students. The Officer will create engaging content, promote events, and increase the organization’s visibility on social media platforms. The Officer shall also oversee 1L recruitment and engagement.
Article V—Elections, Appointments, and Terms of Office
§ 1. The Executive Committee and General Board shall be elected annually in a spring meeting or virtual election, or otherwise appointed as outlined below. The date of the election shall be determined by the standing Executive Committee. Officers shall be elected sequentially in the order listed in Article IV. An individual shall hold only one position at a time. Individuals must serve a full term as an Officer before being eligible to run for President. Upon the unanimous consent of the Executive Committee and a majority of the general board, officers may hold office for more than one term without undergoing election proceedings or reappointment.
§2. Applications for positions shall be submitted to the President of Alliance for Israel before the time of the election and in accordance with the time limits set forth by the President.
§3. The President, or their appointed designee(s), shall preside over the election. Active members shall have an opportunity to vote. Election procedures shall be decided no later than a week prior to the election, and shall be made known to those running in advance of the election. Procedures may include ranked-choice voting or any other democratic voting procedure.
§ 5. Officers of the Executive Committee may be removed for just cause by unanimous vote of the remaining members of the Executive Committee and General Board. Officers of the General Board may be removed for just cause by the unanimous vote of the Executive Committee.
§ 6. Mid-term vacancies or unfilled positions on the Executive Committee or General Board shall be filled by the President.
ARTICLE VI—Other Governing Rules
§ 1. Alliance for Israel shall be governed by this Constitution, such bylaws as may be instituted, and the rules and regulations of Harvard University and Harvard Law School.
§ 2. Alliance for Israel will not sign a letter or statement of a political nature unless the entire Executive Committee and a majority of the General Board approves. The Executive Committee may sign on to such letters or statements without the consent of Officers only if they sign with their individual names.
ARTICLE VII—Non-Discrimination Policy
§ 1. Alliance for Israel does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, race, or sexual orientation.
ARTICLE VIII—Amendments and Bylaws
§ 1. Proposed Amendments to this Constitution or bylaws shall be raised by the President at an Executive Committee and General Board meeting. All Officers shall have notice to be able to participate in the vote and will be informed of a voting deadline.
§ 2. This Constitution or its bylaws may be amended through a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and General Board.
§ 3. Amendments shall be adopted by approval of two-thirds of the Executive Committee and General Board present and voting, except that no amendment shall be adopted without an affirmative two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX—Adoption and Ratification
§ 1. Upon approval on August 2, 2024, via procedures defined by this constitution, this Constitution shall be immediately effective.