American Association of Law Libraries
Neurodiversity Caucus Bylaws
approved by the Caucus 4/22/2025
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this caucus shall be the Neurodiversity Caucus.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
Section 1. Neurodiversity Defined
The term “neurodiversity” describes the unique ways that the human brain can develop and process information. Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all minds, including those that are “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent.” Neurodivergence represents a broad category of minds and is often used in the context of conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning differences.
Section 2. Caucus Purpose
The purpose of the Caucus is to provide a forum for American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) members who are impacted by or interested in neurodiversity. The Caucus will encourage the sharing of news, strategies, struggles, successes, tips, and encouragement for AALL members who:
● Identify as neurodiverse
● Teach neurodiverse students or patrons
● Support neurodiverse family members
● Work with neurodiverse colleagues
● Supervise or manage neurodiverse employees
● Serve neurodiverse patrons
● Want to learn more about neurodiversity
The Caucus generates educational materials and opportunities for the wider AALL membership to learn more about supporting, accommodating, and understanding neurodiverse people in their lives. The Caucus serves as a source of expertise and experience for AALL members and brings together those impacted by neurodiversity to support each other personally and professionally.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to any AALL member identifying as a neurodiverse professional or interested in supporting neurodiverse patrons or colleagues.
ARTICLE IV: ANTIDISCRIMINATION
Neither membership nor full participation in the activities of this Caucus shall be denied to any person on account of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. Officers
The officers shall consist of a chair, a vice chair/chair-elect, and a secretary.
Section 2. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers named above, the immediate past chair, and one member-at-large.
Section 3. Duties of Officers
(a) Chair. It shall be the duty of the chair to coordinate all business and projects through the Executive Committee; create committees and appoint committee chairs and members as needed; and act as liaison to the AALL Executive Board.
(b) Vice Chair/Chair-Elect. It shall be the duty of the vice chair/chair-elect to solicit and develop ideas for programming and resources; coordinate Caucus participation in the AALL Annual Meeting; and complete other duties delegated by the chair.
(c) Secretary. It shall be the duty of the secretary to maintain all written records of the Caucus, including taking and reporting minutes; manage annual elections, including distributing ballots, counting votes, and reporting results; and complete other duties delegated by the chair.
Section 4. Terms of Office
(a) Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: three-year term; annual election
Year One: vice chair/chair-elect
Year Two: chair
Year Three: immediate past chair
(b) Secretary: two-year term; biennial election
(c) Member-at-Large: two-year term; biennial election
(d) The secretary and member-at-large terms will be staggered to ensure a majority of the Executive Committee is returning each year. Executive Committee members shall serve through the adjournment of the AALL Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE VI: NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS
Section 1. Nominations Committee
The chair shall appoint a Nominations Committee of at least three Caucus members and designate which member shall chair the committee. Nominations Committee members shall serve one-year terms. Nominations Committee membership is not open to Executive Committee members or candidates for office.
Section 2. Nominations
(a) The Nominations Committee shall nominate at least one candidate for each office. All candidates must be Caucus members. The Committee shall seek potential candidates representative of Caucus membership.
(b) The Nominations Committee chair shall share information on candidates for office with the Caucus membership no later than ten days before the election is scheduled to open.
(c) Additional nominations may be made upon written petition of at least five Caucus members. Such petition, accompanied by written acceptance of the nominee, must be filed with the Caucus chair no later than five days before the election is scheduled to open.
Section 3. Elections
(a) Annual elections shall be completed via electronic ballot at least two months prior to the AALL Annual Meeting. The secretary, supported by the Executive Committee, will ensure the election is conducted fairly and preserves ballot secrecy.
(b) The candidate receiving the most votes for each office shall be elected. As soon as possible after the election closes, the secretary shall notify all candidates of the results. The secretary will subsequently share the results with the Caucus membership.
(c) In the case of a tie, a run-off election shall be held within thirty days of the announcement of a tie. In the case of a persistent tie, the secretary shall determine the winner by random selection.
Section 4. Vacancies
A chair vacancy shall be filled by the succession of the vice chair/chair-elect. The chair, with executive committee approval, will resolve vacancies in the positions of vice chair/chair-elect, secretary, or member-at-large by appointment of a replacement. The appointed replacement shall serve for the duration of the current term.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
An annual meeting of the Caucus shall be held at such time and place as the Executive Committee shall designate.
Although meetings shall be open to all AALL members, only Caucus members may vote on Caucus business. A quorum shall consist of the Caucus members present at the meeting.
ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES
These bylaws establish two standing committees, the Executive Committee and the Nominations Committee. Additional standing committees, special committees, working groups, or teams may be created or dissolved at the discretion of the chair in consultation with the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The Caucus shall conduct its affairs in conformity with the AALL Bylaws. The rules of order mandated by the AALL Bylaws shall govern all deliberations.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these bylaws require Executive Committee approval, followed by AALL Bylaws & Resolutions Committee approval, and ultimately approval by a simple majority of votes cast by Caucus membership. The Executive Committee shall schedule votes on pending bylaws amendments for the next annual meeting of the Caucus.