Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish clear expectations for both members and elected or appointed officers in the local chapters of South Carolina Future Business Leaders of America.

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Upholding these standards ensures that every member contributes to a respectful, professional, and educational environment that reflects positively on their school, community, the state, and the national organization.

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This Code applies to all local chapter activities, meetings, conferences, service events, competitions, and online or social media engagement conducted under the name of FBLA.

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Section I – Member Code of Conduct

Professionalism and Integrity

• Represent FBLA, their school, and community with honor and integrity.

• Demonstrate honesty, fairness, and respect in all interactions.

• Abide by all school rules, laws, and event regulations during participation in FBLA activities.

 

Respect for Others

• Treat all advisers, officers, members, guests, and competitors with dignity and respect.

• Refrain from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or any conduct that creates a hostile or unsafe environment.

• Use inclusive language and behavior that reflects FBLA’s commitment to diversity and belonging.

 

Academic and Ethical Responsibility

• Maintain good academic standing as required by the local school or district policy.

• Submit only original work in competitive events and honor all rules regarding assistance and collaboration.

• Avoid plagiarism, falsification of records, or misuse of school or chapter resources.

 

Use of Technology and Social Media

• Use social media in a way that promotes the mission of FBLA.

• Avoid posting, sharing, or engaging in content that is obscene, threatening, or damaging to the reputation of FBLA or its members.

• Follow school and district technology-use policies at all FBLA functions.

 

Event Participation and Conduct

• Adhere to all event and conference regulations, including those regarding curfews, dress codes, and standards of conduct.

• Abstain from the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal substances during any FBLA activity.

• Demonstrate sportsmanship and respect toward all competitors and judges.

 

Accountability and Discipline

• The local chapter advisers are responsible for reviewing alleged violations of this Code by their members.

  • Any violation that conflicts with both school and district policies shall be reported to a school administrator for review and action in accordance with the school and district disciplinary policies.

  • Additionally, local chapter advisers may impose membership consequences, including warnings, suspension from FBLA activities, disqualification from competition, or removal from FBLA membership.

• After reviewing the membership consequences imposed by the local chapter advisers, school administrators can escalate the situation to the South Carolina FBLA state office for review.

• Membership issues escalated to the South Carolina FBLA state office will be reviewed by the State Adviser and an additional designee of their choosing. Their collective decision shall be final and binding.

 

Section II – Local Chapter Officer Code of Conduct

Leadership and Example

• Serve as a positive role model for all members through behavior, attitude, and professionalism.

• Demonstrate reliability by fulfilling officer duties, meeting deadlines, and communicating promptly with the adviser and other officers.

 

Ethical Stewardship

• Manage chapter funds, resources, and materials responsibly and transparently.

• Avoid conflicts of interest and never use an officer position for personal gain.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive chapter or member information.

 

Respect for Adviser Authority

• Recognize and respect that the local chapter advisers serve as the official representatives of the local chapter and have final approval over all chapter decisions.

• Seek guidance from an adviser before making commitments on behalf of the chapter.

 

Representation and Public Conduct

• Represent the chapter, school, and state with dignity at all FBLA functions.

• Adhere to FBLA’s official dress code and demonstrate professionalism in both formal and informal settings.

• Uphold the FBLA Creed and mission in all communications, including digital platforms.

 

Attendance and Participation

• Attend all scheduled meetings, leadership training sessions, and required events, unless excused by the adviser.

• Be prepared to lead, speak, and assist at chapter, regional, and state functions when called upon.

 

Accountability and Discipline

• The local chapter advisers are responsible for reviewing alleged violations of this Code by their members.

  • Any violation that conflicts with both school and district policies shall be reported to a school administrator for review and action in accordance with the school and district disciplinary policies.

  • Additionally, local chapter advisers may impose membership consequences, including warnings, suspension from FBLA local chapter office and/or activities, disqualification from competition, or removal from FBLA local chapter office and/or membership.

• After reviewing the membership consequences imposed by the local chapter advisers, school administrators can escalate the situation to the South Carolina FBLA state office for review.

• Membership issues escalated to the South Carolina FBLA state office will be reviewed by the State Adviser and an additional designee of their choosing. Their collective decision shall be final and binding.

 

Acknowledgment and Agreement

By paying state and national FBLA dues and thus being granted active membership status, each member agrees to abide by this Code and all related policies of their local chapter, school, and the South Carolina and National FBLA organizations.

 

Participation in any FBLA activity, meeting, or event—whether at the local, regional, state, or national level—serves as acknowledgment of the member’s understanding of and commitment to these standards of conduct.

 

Local chapters are encouraged to direct each member and officer with a copy of this Code annually and review its contents as part of their membership orientation or officer installation process.