HARVARD LAW SCHOOL
BRAZILIAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION
Name of Organization: Harvard Law School Brazilian Studies Association – HLS BR
Faculty Advisors: Jessie M. Fried
Leadership Structure: Two Co-Presidents; one Chief Financial Officer; one Academic Events Officer; one Academic Officer; one ESG Policies Officer and one Institutional Relations Officer.
Statement of Purpose
The Harvard Law School Brazilian Studies Association (“HLS BR”) is an institution that intends to promote the collaboration between students, scholars, professionals, and individuals who are interested in discussing various issues related to Brazil and the Brazilian culture. This organization seeks to increase the interest in, and understanding of major legal, political, economic, cultural, and social issues that characterizes the Brazilian society. In addition to academic discussions of important issues, this organization aims at promoting the visibility of Brazil’s rich and diverse culture and legal framework.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1. Purpose
The Harvard Law School Brazilian Studies Association (“HLS BR”) intends to aggregate students, faculty members, professionals, and other individuals interested in Brazil and Brazilian society. The main goal is to establish at Harvard Law School a forum in which Brazilian legal, political, economic, cultural and social issues can be openly addressed and discussed from a plural academic perspective. HLS BR further aims at organizing events to promote the Brazilian culture, cuisine and literature.
ARTICLE 2. General Membership
General membership shall encompass all participants of this association. Active membership shall be open to all current Harvard Law School students, faculty, and staff, or those pursuing joint or concurrent degrees with Harvard Law School. General members are invited to participate in all activities and events of HLS BR and to work in one of the HLS BR Committees, described in Article 3.
ARTICLE 3. Executive Board
HLS BR shall have an Executive Board, which shall meet periodically to determine the general direction of the Society and to carry out its duties as outlined in this Constitution. Executive Board meetings shall be publicized and open to all active members of the Society. The Executive Board shall be constituted of the following positions, elected in accordance with Article X below:
3.1. Two Co-Presidents, who will be responsible to represent the association in any event, meeting, or documents of any nature. The Co-Presidents will serve as the liaison between HLS BR and the Dean of Students Office and will be the primary contact for all matters related to the association other than finances.
3.2. One Academic Officer, who will keep the Faculty Advisor apprised of the association’s activities throughout the year and provide contact with other student organizations and other faculty members.
3.3 One Academic Events Officer, who will organize and promote academic and cultural events that advance discussions and promote understanding of contemporary Brazilian legal issues.
3.4. One ESG Policies Officer, who will articulate strategies to establish Association’s partnerships in sustainability, environmental and social responsibility programs.
3.5 One Chief Financial Officer, who will be the primary contact for the budget of the Association and will be responsible for signing all reimbursements and tracking the budget progress of the association. The Chief Financial Officer will also be the only person who will receive the HLS BR’s Harvard billing code.
3.6 One Institutional Relations Officer, who will be responsible for identifying and evaluating partnership opportunities to meet the Association’s objectives and consolidate its image at Harvard and other institutions.
ARTICLE 4. Elections
Each academic year, the President shall convene a meeting of the General Membership in order, among other issues, to elect a new Executive Board. The positions will be elected by a simple majority of the members present. Candidates for any elected position on the Student Government must meet all of the following requirements: (i) be a full-time student; (ii) meet the minimum credit requirements of the Law School and (iii) adhere to the campaign rules in the Student Government bylaws.
ARTICLE 5. Amendments
HLS BR may amend this Constitution with a two-third majority at any meeting of the General Membership.
ARTICLE 6. Other Governing Rules
HLS BR shall be governed by this Constitution and by all policies of Harvard Law School and Harvard University, including the Alcohol Policy, the Non-discrimination Policy, the Anti-Hazing Policy, and Guidelines for inviting Guest Speakers.
ARTICLE 7. Process Manual
The Executive Board may create a process manual to govern the procedures of the association in greater detail. Any such manual will be submitted for approval of the General Membership by a simple majority of the members present.
