sweaters, the following exceptions must be noted: a. Shirts should not be too long and baggy. b. Chapter letters shall not be outlined or completely embossed in red or college school colors. Such a practice can be interpreted as meaning “bloody” and can be misinterpreted in cases of legal action. c. Language shall be in good taste. d. No fraternal secrets shall be included in any slogan or theme. e. Please note that it is appropriate to include the school name and/or crest on such and in appropriate colors.
3.3 Hats I. Brothers should remove their hats when entering any building; upon the singing of the fraternity hymn, the national anthem, or the negro national anthem (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”); and when a prayer is being recited. II. Alpha brothers never wear their hats backward. 3.4 Logo Wear (Other) and Other Jewelry I. Logo wear includes any materials with the official symbols of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. emblazoned (e.g., cups, pins, cuff links, glasses, plates). II. The “fraternity shield” should never be placed on Alpha logo wear and other jewelry. Any vendor found to be incorporating the “fraternity shield” in a clothing article or jewelry should be reported to the corporate headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Note: only the life membership, twenty-five year and fifty year pins, the signet ring (style #1146) and the Alpha Phi Alpha official ring (style #4044b) are approved by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to incorporate the official shield of the fraternity. 3.5 Wearing of Paraphernalia in Public Places I. Alpha men are always respectful of the name Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. or its letters ΑΦΑ. Therefore, when entering public clubs, places of drinking, establishments of debauchery, and so forth, Alpha men will respect their colors by refraining from wearing Alpha paraphernalia, if possible. II. Alpha men always wear their Alpha hats directly forward. Alpha men always look forward, not backward or to the side. III. Alpha men do not wear “ΑΦΑ” below their waist or place the symbols on items that may become soiled (e.g., sweatpants, underwear,
stadium seats, doormats, soles of socks or shoes). It should also not be placed on items such as golf towels, handkerchiefs, and so forth. (#) IV. Chapters are prohibited from having their chapter letters in red on chapter jackets, sweaters or web sites. Such a practice can be interpreted as meaning “bloody” and can be misinterpreted in cases of legal action. (#) V. The general rule is: don’t wear Alpha paraphernalia in a manner that would offend or would not uphold the name of Alpha.
3.6 Disposition of Paraphernalia I. Section 10.3. Property of the general organization, constitution and by-laws of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. states: “All property of the general organization transmitted to the custody of the chapter (or brother) for its use, as provided herein, shall remain the property of the general organization subject to recall or removal in the event of the chapter’s suspension or deactivation. The chapter’s officers shall have the absolute responsibility and obligation to maintain the custody and control over the general organization’s property when so requested by the general organization or any committee having authority to require same pursuant to this constitution.” II. Each brother is personally responsible for protecting the privacy of Alpha Phi Alpha paraphernalia: a. Once initiated, each brother should discuss the disposition of his Alpha paraphernalia with his loved ones in the event of his demise. b. Part of any brother’s estate planning should be the designation of an Alpha brother to receive his paraphernalia or instructions for his loved ones to contact the local chapter for disposition. III. Brothers should be vigilant in the disposal of unusable paraphernalia. a. Once paraphernalia is no longer usable, the material should be destroyed by burning. b. Official fraternity pins (e.g., official badge, life member pin, twenty-five year pin, and fifty year pin) should be given to another brother, the local chapter or the national organization to prevent it from getting into the hands of a non-member or even worse being traded on an online auction site such as Ebay. IV. The local chapter or chapter advisor shall be responsible for retrieving paraphernalia after a brother enters Omega chapter:
PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE MANUAL
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