A DeKalb County judge delayed action Tuesday that could determine whether the former general president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity gets his job back.
Herman "Skip" Mason Jr. is suing the nation's oldest black Greek letter organization, alleging board members violated the organization's constitution and bylaws when it ousted him as the 33rd general president earlier this year. The suit was filed in DeKalb County Superior Court.
Judge Mathew Robins scheduled a new hearing on Friday to allow both sides to build their cases and for him to review updated filings. Dozens of black-suited fraternity members attended the hearing, which also drew DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown.
Robins raised questions about jurisdiction since the fraternity, which has about 20,000 active members, is based in Baltimore and whether Mason, who lives in DeKalb County, had actually been removed as general president. He also was clearly frustrated that Mason's attorneys had filed an amended complaint that he hadn't seen by the start of the 9 a.m. hearing.
Mason, an author and Morehouse College archivist, wants to finish out the last six months of his term. At stake, said James L. Walker Jr., one of Mason's attorneys, is his client's reputation and personal finances. He said the fraternity's actions were "egregious" and "shady."
The fraternity suspended him for alleged mismanagement, disputing how he used his general president allotment, and he is not considered a member in good standing, meaning he cannot hold office.
"Mr. Mason's reputation has been tarnished by his own hand," said Eric Barnum, who represents the fraternity.
Members had sought to keep the controversy out of the public eye but felt the need to defend themselves, a statement from the fraternity said.
Walker said Mason did not receive a salary, just the general president allotment. He said Mason offered to pay the fraternity $20,000 "to make peace," but the fraternity rejected the offer. The lawsuit contends Mason's use of the fraternity's credit card was allowed as part of his allotment and contends there "were no expressed restrictions and or limitations" in how he could use it. He used part of the allotment for tuition and dependent care, Walker said.
Barnum said the allotment is supposed to be for expenses related to fraternity business.
Both sides said they were pleased with the delay.
"This is not about Skip Mason, it's about the [fraternity's] constitution," Walker said.
Barnum, though, said procedure was followed and that the fraternity plans to "mount a vigorous defense."
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