Originally Posted by memereof8
Our guild is having problems with a member of our guild. Our by-laws state that we can remove anyone who is causing trouble. Some board members think we have to get a lawyer so we do not get sued. Any thoughts?
Are your meetings open to the general public?
It's always best to try to resolve these things without extreme measures, but sometimes they are necessary. You need to read the bylaws carefully, and make sure there is a good definition of what "causing trouble" is - that might be the only gray area where a lawsuit might arise. Although there has to be damages experienced by the other party - this is a private club, and there is precedent set that private clubs are allowed to discriminate or limit membership by whatever means they decide.
I'm actually on the board of a guild, but I'm really new to that position and I haven't attended any meetings yet. However, I've been on the boards (and officers) on other non-profits. I have never seen someone ejected from a group; however I have seen the situation get so uncomfortable and unpleasant that group members have left (me included).