[SAEalumnus]

The primary objection that members are having is not with the merits of the idea, but rather with the method with which it was developed and announced.

This new program made sweeping changes to the national Fraternity Laws and repealed a portion of our Ritual in its entirety, all with zero authority to do so. It also was kept secret from members, alumni, and advisers, except for a privileged few who were given the information a couple of weeks ago. Those who heard rumors and asked national staff were denied information.

Only the biennial national Fraternity Convention, at which the undergraduates own the majority share of votes, has the authority to amend or repeal the Fraternity Laws or the Ritual. Even then, any such proposal must be submitted in writing months in advance, published to the Fraternity, discussed and voted on at the Convention, and achieve a two-thirds majority vote in order to pass. Alternatively, the Supreme Council can submit a proposal to the membership of the Convention via a direct mail vote if the matter can't wait until the next Convention.

The five-member Supreme Council acting on its own does not have the authority to do this. They are attempting to invent this authority by pulling the word "represent" out of context and ignoring the multiple sections of the Fraternity Laws that clearly but inconveniently establish otherwise.