Code of Conduct

Members of House Blue Flames are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and maintain a high standard of moral conduct.

Members are expected to manifest attributes required of good citizens, both within and outside the boundaries of the House Blue Flames (hereinafter the “House”): respect for order, morality, personal honor, and the rights of others.

It is understood that members of House Blue Flames will assume the responsibilities involved with membership by adhering to the regulations of the House.

Code of Conduct Statements

Conduct by any member that violates another person's rights and freedoms and is subject to disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to:

Academic Misconduct:

Plagiarizing, cheating, or committing any other form of academic misconduct including, but not limited to, unauthorized collaboration, falsification of information, or helping someone else violate reasonable standards for academic behavior. Members who engage in academic dishonesty are subject to academic consequences as determined by the instructor and disciplinary action as outlined in the Uniform Code of Community Justice Policy disciplinary procedures.

Disruptive Behavior:

Engaging in any disruptive behavior that negatively affects or impedes teaching or learning (regardless of the mode of delivery or class setting), or disrupts the general operation of the House.

Deceitful Acts:

Engaging in deceitful acts, including, but not limited to, forgery, falsification, alteration, misrepresentation, non-disclosure, or misuse of documents, records, identification, or educational materials.

Conduct that is Detrimental to House or to Member Safety:

Conduct that is deemed detrimental, harmful, or damaging to the House or that jeopardizes the safety of others as determined by the Brigade Commander and the Governing Council. Examples include, but are not limited to, physical altercation, verbal abuse, physical abuse, slamming doors, throwing chairs, or defacing House property or the property of others.

Physical/Non-physical Abuse:

Physical abuse or conduct that threatens or endangers another person’s health or safety.

1. Non-physical abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, influence, or any unwelcome conduct in any form that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent that it alters the conditions of the learning environment or employment.
2. Knowingly falsifying, publishing or distributing, in any form, material that tends to impeach the honesty, integrity, virtue or reputation of another person.

Harassment or Discrimination:

Discrimination or harassment based on sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, or sexual orientation.

Sexual Misconduct:

Sexual misconduct offenses include, but are not limited to, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual contact (or attempts to commit same), Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse (or attempts to commit same), or Sexual Exploitation.

Weapons:

Possession or distribution of any unauthorized firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, or other dangerous weapons (or chemicals/flammable liquids) or use/threat of use of any instrument (including, but not limited to, paintball guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns, bow and arrows, knives) as a weapon to intimidate, harass or cause harm to others.

Narcotics/Alcohol:

Use, being under the influence, manufacturing, possession, cultivating, distribution, purchase, or sale of alcohol or drugs (illegal or dangerous or controlled substance) or alcohol/drug paraphernalia while on House-owned or House-controlled property or at any function authorized or supervised by the House or in House-owned or leased vehicles.

Dress Code:

Dress or personal hygiene that fails to meet the established safety or health standards of the House's classes or activities.

Violation of Laws, Directives, and Signage:

Violating any municipal, county, state or federal law that adversely impacts educational or employment environment conditions.

1. Violations of House traffic and parking rules, regulations, or signage. Damage to or falsely using fire alarms or fire extinguishers.
2. Creating an intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular. This includes, but is not limited to, leading or inciting to disrupt House activities.
3. Failure to comply with the lawful directives of members and cadets acting within the scope of their duties, including those directives issued by the Brigade Commander to ensure the safety and well-being of others.
4. Violations of House policies, protocols, procedures, or signage.

Illegal Gambling:

Participation in illegal gambling activities on House-owned or House-controlled property, or any function authorized or supervised by the House or in House-owned or leased vehicles.

Unauthorized Entry or Unauthorized Possession:

Entry into, or use of any building, room, or other House-owned or House-controlled property, grounds, or activities without authorized approval. This also includes, but is not limited to the unauthorized possession, duplication or use of House keys, lock combinations, access codes, and access cards or credentials or propping open or tampering with doors/windows.

Unacceptable Use of House Equipment, Network or System:

Unacceptable uses of any House-owned or operated equipment, network or system including, but not limited to:

1. knowingly spreading computer viruses;
2. reposting personal communications without the author’s consent;
3. copying protected materials;
4. using the network for financial or personal gain, commercial activity, or illegal activity;
5. accessing the network using another individual's account;
6. unauthorized downloading/uploading software or digital video or music;
7. downloading/uploading, viewing or displaying pornographic content, or any other attempt to compromise network integrity.

Tampering with Elections, or Votes:

Tampering with the process of any House election or vote.

Abuse of the Uniform Code of Community Justice Policy (UCCJP) Procedures:

Abuse of the UCCJP Procedure includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of the UCCJP Procedure.
2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation, or knowingly pursuing malicious, frivolous, or fraudulent charges.
3. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the UCCJP procedure.
4. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a participant or the UCCJP procedure.
5. Harassment (verbal or physical) or intimidation of a participant in the UCCJP procedure.
6. Failure to comply with directives or sanctions imposed under UCCJP procedure.
7. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the UCCJP procedure.
8. Engaging in retaliatory acts in any form against any person or person(s) involved in the UCCJP procedure.

Unauthorized Entry into House Events:

Entering or attempting to enter any House-sponsored activity without proper credentials for admission. 

Please note: In most circumstances, House will treat attempts to commit Code of Conduct violations as if those attempts had been completed.

Violations of the above may result in but are not limited to, fines, restitution, community service, or disciplinary procedures.

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action may involve resolution per the Uniform Code of Community Justice Policy or one or a combination of the following alternatives:

WARNING

A notice served upon the member advising them that they are violating or have violated House regulations.

PROBATION

After finding a violation of the Code of Conduct, restriction of Member’s privileges for a designated period of time includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the Member is found to be violating any House regulations during the probationary period.

OTHER DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Fines, restitution, denial of privileges, assignment to perform services for the benefit of the House or community; or other sanction that doesn’t result in the member being denied the privilege to participate in House activities.

SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION

An involuntary separation of a member from the House for misconduct not based on academic performance for a specified period of time.

1. Suspension is a separation that shall not exceed two months per suspension for any singular offense or situation. While a member is suspended, they are not eligible to participate in any House activities or activities sponsored by the House.
2. Once the suspension is lifted the member is eligible for re-admission.
3. Expulsion is an indefinite separation from the House. The member is not eligible for re-admission.
4. In exceptional cases where a member wants to be considered for re-admission after an expulsion has been implemented, the member bears the burden to prove the behavior resulting in the expulsion has been resolved. It is within the House’s discretion to admit or deny the member.

INTERIM SUSPENSION

1. An immediate action by the Governing Council to ensure the safety and well-being of members and cadets of the House community; preservation of House property; or if the member poses a definite threat of disruption or interference to others or the normal operations of the House.
2. In the event of an interim suspension, the hearing before the Governing Council shall occur as soon as possible following the interim suspension.
3. The member shall be afforded appeal rights if the House issues a permanent sanction. The interim suspension will be removed from the member’s record if the House does not implement a permanent sanction.