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The Burke Society is a student organization at the University of Virginia dedicated to raising intellectual discourse relating to the principles of conservatism and of Edmund Burke, the father of modern conservatism. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Contracted Independent Organization (CIO) at the university. The Society’s motto, "Veritate Valebimus" translates as "In truth we will prevail."

History
The Burke Society was created by Rick Eberstadt, Jimmy Zhou, Keenan Davis, and Anne Bowie as a forum for college students to delve into the underpinnings and implications of conservative political philosophy. On January 29, 2008, the Burke Society was officially approved as a CIO by the University of Virginia. The society’s CIO status had been originally rejected by the UVA Student Council for restricting “membership to only those that have conservative values.” However, after receiving a letter from FIRE (a legal organization dedicated to First Amendment rights protection) as well as pressure from the University administration, the Student Council voted in favor of bestowing CIO status to the group.

Membership
Membership in the Burke Society is available to any undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Virginia who exhibits profound interest in conservative values and principles. Students who wish to join must fulfill a semester as a probationary member, as well as complete several requirements. Among these requirements are payments of annual dues, attendance of a majority of the semester’s regular meetings, attendance of several social events, community service requirements, memorization of key facts about the Burke Society and Edmund Burke, and passage of an intellectual presentation before the Society. Each probationary member is assigned a mentor, chosen from the regular membership, who assists the probationary with his or her requirements.

Events
At weekly meetings, students arrive in business attire, give presentations on political topics to the group, listen to one of our outstanding speakers, or engage in lively debate with other members of the society. Additionally, The Burke Society hosts many socials both formal and informal. Outside of regular meetings and social events, the Burke Society holds a few other events on Grounds. Each year, the Society hosts The Right Way every year with other organizations on Grounds in order to show students the many conservative and right-leaning organizations the University has to offer. The Burke Society also hosted a somber and reflective ceremony and candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. Collaborating with numerous organizations both political and non-political, the Society ensured that the significance of that day would not be lost on the Charlottesville community.