Bedayia International School

Student Union

House of Students
Code of Conduct
 Table of Contents

Debate Sitting 3
Beginning 3
Reading of the Issue 3
Debate 3
Conclusion 4

Division Sitting 5
Beginning 5
First Reading of the Draft 5
Amendments 5
Second Reading 6
Division 6
Conclusion 7

Motions 8

Points 11

Authority of The Speaker (Core) 13

Courtesies 14

Rules & Regulations 19

Terminologies & Positions (A-Z) 21

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Debate Sitting

● Beginning

- Archivist takes ‘Appearance’

● Reading of the Issue

1) Speaker: “The House shall now come to order”

2) Speaker: “The House now convenes on ‘issue’ number 1…

- (‘parliamentary session’ type-documentation / annual)

3) Speaker: “I call on the honorable ‘member’ …(issue

submitter’s name)… to open debate”

4) The submitter of the ‘issue’ shall address The House

5) The Member shall be open to ‘points of inquiries’

● Debate

1) The Speaker allows Members to ‘defend’ (speak for)

- Speaker: “Defence!”

- Members will stand up for ‘recognition’ by the Speaker

- The Speaker will call members of their choosing

- The Member shall be open to points of inquiries

2) The Speaker allows Members to ‘Oppose’ (speak against)

- Speaker: “Opposition!”

- Members will stand up for recognition by the Speaker

- The Speaker will call members of their choosing

- The Member shall be open to points of inquiries

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 ● Conclusion

1) Speaker: “Debate on issue 1 has ‘concluded’ ”

- Speaker: “The honorable member …(issue submitter’s

name).. shall formulate a ‘draft’ for the ‘division sitting’ ”

Repeat steps for issue 2 if on the same day, if not: Speaker: “The House

shall now ‘adjourn’ till next sitting”

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Division Sitting

● Beginning

- Archivist takes ‘Appearance’

● First Reading of the Draft

1) Speaker: “The House shall now come to order’’

2) Speaker: “The House now ‘convenes’ on the draft for issue #1’’

3) Speaker: “I call our honorable member ‘(draft submitter’s

name)’ to read their draft’’

4) The submitter of the draft shall address The House

5) The member shall be open to points of inquiry

● Amendments

1) ‘Proposal’: Members of The House get to suggest particular

changes to the submitter’s draft by adding comments to the

shared draft

2) ‘Ratification’: The Speaker of The House then ratifies the

‘amendments’; if the amendments are ‘repealed’, they will not

be voted upon

3) ‘Voting’: The Speaker casts a vote on each approved

amendment

- Speaker: "All those in favor of amendment letter A say

‘aye’”, “Of the contrary, ‘no’”

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 - The Speaker decides whether to put or remove the

amendment based on the louder side. If unclear, the

Speaker will divide The House:

- Speaker: “As per the unclear results, The House shall

now be divided. All the members who wish to vote for

the amendment please raise your hand”

- Archivists count the votes and report them to The

Speaker, who either puts or removes the amendment

based on the votes.

● Second Reading

- After the amendments have been finalized and voted upon,

the creator of the draft must read the draft one more time.

1) Speaker: “The House now continues on the second reading of

the draft of issue #1’’

2) Speaker: “I call on our honorable member ‘(draft submitter’s

name)’ to read their draft’’

3) The creator of the draft shall address The House

● Division

- After the second reading ends, the voting procedures to turn

that draft into an ‘Act’ should commence.

1) Speaker: "All those in favor of the proposed Act say ‘aye’”, “Of

the contrary, ‘no’”

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 2) Based on the louder side, The Speaker decides whether to

‘approve’ or repeal the draft. If unclear, the Speaker will divide

The House:

3) Speaker: “Division, unlock!”

4) The archivists count the number of votes

- Archivist 1 records the number of members that are

standing up (voting for)

- Archivist 2 records the number of members that are

sitting down (voting against)

5) Archivists present the numbers to The Speaker of The House

6) Speaker: “After division, the ayes add up to ## and the noes

add up to ##”

● Conclusion

1) Speaker: “As per the division procedures, the draft proposed

by the honorable member on issue #1 is approved and is now

an Act by order of The House.” or “As per the division

procedures, the draft proposed by the honorable member on

issue #1 is repealed by order of The House.”

2) Speaker: ‘’ The House shall now adjourn’’

Repeat steps for issue 2’s draft if on the same day, if not: Speaker: “The

House shall now ‘adjourn’ till next sitting”

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Motions

● ‘Motion’: A formal proposal by a member that is put to decision or

debate by The Speaker of The House

● To make a motion, a member must stand up to get recognized by

the Speaker. If the member is recognized, he must first say the

motion “I move to…”, preferably with a short justification or

clarification

● Motions are approved or declined mainly by The Speaker of The

House:

1) The Speaker solely approves or declines a motion

- Member: “I move to postpone debate!”

- Speaker: “Your motion is approved/declined by order of

The House”

2) The Speaker sees if any member seconds the motion to

decide whether to approve it or decline it

- Member: “I move to postpone debate!”

- Speaker: “Are there any seconds to this motion?”

- Members: “Second!” “Second!” “Second!”

- Speaker: “Your motion is approved/declined by order of

The House”

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 3) The Speaker casts a quick vote to approve or decline the

motion

- Member: “I move to postpone debate!”

- Speaker: “All those in favor of this motion say ‘aye’, of

the contrary say ‘no’”

- Members: “Aye!” “No!”

- Speaker: “Your motion is approved/ declined by order of

The House”

Type of Motion Explanation Example

Motion to To postpone the debate on a “I move to postpone

postpone debate certain issue for either time debate on this issue”
restraint or to advance to a
more important issue.

Motion to extend To increase the debating time “I move to extend the

debate on a certain issue. If the debate on this issue”
motion passes, the duration
added is decided by the
Chair.

Motion to limit To end the debate on a “I move to limit

debate certain issue. debate/ proceed to
voting procedures”

Motion to The withdrawal from the “I move to withdraw

withdraw motion previously proposed motion, my motion, (states
done before voting. Used motion)”
when a member wants to

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 cancel a motion that he
submitted.

Motion to To re-vote on a certain “I move to reconsider

reconsider draft/amendment, can only the action of voting
be done by a member of the for the
prevalent side. Requested if a draft/amendment”
member feels unsure about
the outcome of a certain
debate. If agreed upon, the
voting can be re-done in the
current or following meeting.

Motion to To continue or extend the “I move to carry-over

carry-over discussion of a certain issue this issue to another
in another session session”

Motion to take To point out a necessary “I move to take note

note notice or anything crucial of (e.g: the
that should be taken into disrespectful
consideration by The speaker language used by the
member/ debate
shifting to an
irrelevant issue)”

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Points

● ‘Points’: appeals issued by the members to The Speaker of The

House

● To say a point, a member must stand up to get recognized by The

Speaker. If the member is recognized, he/she should state the type

of the point he wants to say, wait for The Speaker’s approval, then

state his/her point:

- Member: *stands up*

- Speaker: “Mr/Ms ‘name’ you have been recognized.”

- Member: “I rise to a point of personal privilege.”

- Speaker: “Please state your point.”

- Member: “Can I use the bathroom? I’m not feeling too well.”

- Speaker: “Yes, you may use the bathroom.”

● Note: This system doesn’t apply to motions. In motions, once you

are recognized you state the motion along with a short clarification,

then wait for The Speaker’s decision.

Type of Point Explanation Example

Point of To ask for a personal “I rise to a point of

personal inquiry. personal privilege…
privilege (states question)”

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Point of order To bring the attention of “I rise to a point of
The speaker to the order... (states the
breaking of particular flaw or breach of
rules/regulations by a rules)”
member inside The House

Point of To ask a question about “I rise to a point of

parliamentary the process of the meeting inquiry… (states
inquiry or about something that’s inquiry)”
not understood in the
forum.

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Authority of The Speaker (Core)

● The Speaker has the highest authority in the sittings and controls

its procedures. The Speaker’s job is to:

○ Decide when the meeting starts and adjourns

○ Guarantee orderly manner in the sittings

○ Determine which member speaks; no member shall speak

without The Speaker’s confirmation.

○ Suspend any member who breaches the rules

○ Maintain the efficient flow of the sitting

○ Select Members of the committees and take approval on the

proposed selection

○ Control the time limits

○ Commence and monitor the voting procedures

○ Treat all parties in an unbiased manner

○ Suspend sittings in cases of emergency or extreme disorder

○ Vote when a tie occurs in divisions (including amendments)

● However, The Speaker’s absolute authority isn’t unlimited, as The

Speaker must be:

1. Impartial and unbiased towards all members

2. Uninvolved in the debate’s content; neutral

3. Disciplined; can’t mock or mistreat a member

4. Following The House’s rules and procedures; serves as the

human representative of The House’s rules

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Courtesies

Attendance of the Sittings (Core)

1. Every member is obliged to take part in the weekly sittings. The

appearance is taken by the archivist, and any absences will be

reported to The House. If there’s no excuse for the absence, it may

be disregarded unless it’s repeated.

2. The repetition of the unexcused absences will result in a penalty

imposed by The Speaker of The House, depending on the frequency

of the absences. In the worst-case scenario, the member will be

suspended from future sittings. Members can leave sittings at wish.

Speaking in the House (Core)

3. If a member wishes to speak, they must stand up and address The

Speaker of The House. Members aren’t allowed to directly speak to

another member, only through The Speaker of The House. Note that

The Speaker of The House won’t always enable members to speak.

4. It’s considered disrespectful for a member to attempt to speak

during another member’s time repeatedly. Members should expect

a penalty from The Speaker if such action is done.

5. Members should be wearing ‘The House’s Emblem’ to be allowed to

speak.

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Participation

6. As mentioned, The Speaker won’t always allow all members to

speak. There are many factors in The Speaker’s consideration before

allowing a member to speak. Those factors may be the frequency of

the request to speak, the brevity of the member, or based on the

successes and failures in the previous debates. The archivist

monitors those successes and failures.

Length of Speeches

7. If needed, The Speaker may put time limits on a member’s talking

time to give as many members as possible a chance to speak. The

Speaker also has the right to stop a member’s speech if it takes too

long. Whether The Speaker imposed a time limit or not, members

should speak with conciseness and shortness, to respect the

sitting’s time.

Listening to Other Members

8. When another member speaks, members should take care that

their side-talks or conversations do not disturb the other member

or make it hard to concentrate with whoever’s talking.

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 9. Additionally, members should respect the debates and not devote

themselves to something else like a book or an electronic device

that may show that you’re not listening.

Usage of electronic devices

10. Electronic devices are allowed in The House as long as they’re not

disturbing. Nevertheless, their usage should be constricted to

affecting a member’s participation in a debate. Electronic devices

may be used for recording important information when you aren’t

speaking, but they shouldn’t make it look like you’re not

concentrating on the debate itself.

11. Answering phone calls, listening to voicemails, or taking videos or

pictures isn’t allowed in the sittings.

Language rules and limitations (Core)

12. In The House, you should respect all other members. It’s as simple

as that because there’s not a written list that shows all the

discourteous language. Whether something said is disrespectful

relies on the context. Any insulting language should be withdrawn

at the moment. Also, any violent accusations or personal remarks

about other members are also required to be withdrawn. If not, The

Speaker may suspend the member from the sitting.

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 13. Debates are held in Arabic or English, only the procedures and

drafts are in English.

14. All members have the privilege of freedom of speech. However,

members need to responsibly employ this freedom, considering the

interests of the members and outsiders.

15. Members should always address a member through the chair.

Addressing a member using “you” is not allowed in the forums. This

is to conserve the courteous and formal- not personal- criticism in

the debates.

Courtesies in the House

16. As a gesture of respect towards The House, members should give a

slight bow to The Speaker upon entering the chamber.

17. A member shouldn’t cut off and disrupt a member who has the

floor by actions such as speaking loudly or blocking the line of sight

between a member and The Speaker.

18. When addressing The Speaker of The House, members should

stand up and talk to The Speaker. Nonetheless, once The Speaker

stands up, all members should sit down and keep silent.

19. When The Speaker shouts “order”, every member should sit down

and listen to The Speaker.

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 20.Members should resume their seats in silence when the result of a

division is announced. Chanting, singing, or clapping is prohibited

in The House.

Food, Drinks, and Other Possessions

21. Eating or drinking isn’t allowed except if a member has health

reasons to do so. Members should take the confirmation from The

Speaker to eat or drink due to an underlying health condition.

Water is allowed.

22. The space inside The House is limited, so heavy bags, laptops, or

brief-cases shouldn’t be brought to the sittings, unless approved by

the chair.

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Rules & Regulations
Attendance of the sittings

● Taking part in the weekly sittings is an obligation for each member

unless excused

Speaking in the House

● A member is allowed to directly address The Speaker of The House

only when his/her request to speak is confirmed

● Members need to stand up to be recognized by The Speaker

● Members aren’t allowed to directly speak to one another, only

through The Speaker of The House

Participation and listening to other members

● Members should firmly respect and concentrate with whoever’s

talking in The House

Length of speeches

● All members are required to speak with brevity when allowed by

The Speaker of The House

Usage of electronic devices

● Electronic devices are allowed in The House as long as they’re not

disturbing other members

● The acts of answering phone calls, listening to voicemails, or taking

videos or pictures aren’t allowed in the sittings

Language rules and limitations

● Freedom of speech is guaranteed for all members as long as they

respect others and use appropriate language

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 ● Any violent accusation or false language should be immediately
withdrawn

● All debates are held in Arabic or English; however, drafts and

procedures are always carried out in English

● Addressing a member using ‘’you’’ is not allowed in the forums

General courtesies in The House

● Members should give a slight bow to The Speaker as a gesture of

respect toward The House

● Speaking loudly or blocking the line of sight between a member

and The Speaker shouldn’t occur

● Members should stand up while talking to The Speaker

● When The Speaker stands up or shouts ‘’order’’, all members should

sit down and remain silent

● Chanting, singing, or clapping is prohibited in The House

Food, drinks, and other possessions

● Eating or drinking other than water isn’t allowed

● Heavy bags, laptops, or brief-cases shouldn’t be brought to the

sittings

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Terminologies & Positions (A-Z)
Act A legislative mandate passed by The House and is enforced by ‘Judicial

Supremacy’. Acts are initiatives, projects or orders by The House to any student

body. An Act is binding and continuous unless they are revoked or expired

Adjourn The action of suspending or ending a meeting.

Amendments Proposed changes and modifications to a certain draft

Appearance Attendance of the members

Approve To accept or confirm an amendment or draft

Archivist A position in The House, Archivists count votes and report all the

highlights and main actions in the meetings

Aye said to express approval in voting; yes

Business of The House A document by The Speaker clarifying the pending issues

to be discussed in the next sitting

Committee Is a group of appointed MHs for a specific role

Convenes gathers, assembles

Core Vote-requiring rules in the Code of Conduct, unamendable by The Speaker

Debate Sitting The meeting in which the members debate upon a certain issue

Defend To speak for an issue in the debate

Defence All the members who are with a certain issue and wish to speak for it

Division Sitting The meeting in which a draft is voted upon to become an act

Draft An unofficial document that has all the actions required to solve a certain

issue, made by the issue’s submitter

Endorsement The minimum number of signatures to request a sitting on a

certain topic

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Issue A document made by a Member of The House that expresses concern or

sheds light upon a certain problem in the school’s procedure, or a proposal for a

certain activity, etc.

Judicial Supremacy Rules that The House of Students has the highest authority

among all student bodies and deems all entitlements ‘Out of Order’.

Member A position in The House, any individual in The House with an active role

in the sittings. (teachers, class representatives, secretaries, presidents)

MH Member of The House

Motion A formal proposal by a member that is put to decision or debate by The

Speaker of The House

No Said to express rejection in voting

Oppose To speak against an issue in the debate

Opposition All the members who are against a certain issue and wish to speak

against it

Points appeals issued by the members to The Speaker of The House

Points of Inquiry Questions about the process of the meeting, about something

that’s not understood in the forum, or for clarification from a certain member

Proposal The action of suggesting an amendment to a draft

Ratification When The Speaker approves an amendment

Recognition When The Speaker approves a member's request to speak

Repeal To cancel an amendment or draft

Speaker of The House The individual with the highest authority in The House,

controls all procedures in the meetings

Student Body All extracurriculars and student-led activities

The House’s Emblem The official House badge given to Members of The House

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Union Address A per-trimester address given by the President to The House

stating the Executive Branch’s agenda, priorities and achievements

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