106th National Convention approves amendment of Fourth Landmark and adopts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

106th National Convention approves amendment of Fourth Landmark and adopts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy

June 10, 2021

Neptune, New Jersey

During the 106th National Convention of Alpha Chi Rho, the Fraternity approved an amendment of the Fourth Landmark. In Alpha Chi Rho, the Landmarks are the basic principles formed by the founders of the Fraternity. They culminate in the noble traditions of Alpha Chi Rho and represent what our founders believed to be the ideal brotherhood.

Effective immediately, the Fourth Landmark of Alpha Chi Rho shall read:

“Judgment not by externals, but by intrinsic worth; no one is

denied membership in Alpha Chi Rho because of race, creed,

nationality, or sexual orientation.”

This amendment process began in June 2020 when a formal petition from more than two-hundred-and-fifty Brothers was sent to the National Council. The National Council accepted the petition and President David Jost commissioned a Task Force to review it and provide recommendations. In November 2020, the Task Force recommended to the National Council that the item should be brought to the floor of the 106th National Convention. The next step of the process was to receive the approval of at least three quarters of the Resident Chapters voting in the affirmative of the amendment in Ritual Council. Due to the COVID restrictions on various campuses, President Jost offered a dispensation to any Chapter requesting it. These votes were conducted, reported to the National Office and certified by a third party. Having surpassed the minimum threshold of three quarters active Chapters voting in the affirmative, the amendment was sent to the National Convention for final approval. During the Friday evening session of the Business Meeting of the 106th National Convention, the amendment passed with a three quarters vote by all Graduate and Resident delegates.

The new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy approved by the National Council was also discussed during the Business Meeting of the 106th National Convention. The Policy states the Fraternity’s pledge to respect and celebrate “Race, Creed, Religious Belief, Sexual Orientation, and other self-identifying factors” and to reprimand any Brother or Chapter for any violation of this policy that is brought to the attention of the Fraternity in writing, with the most significant sanctions available. The National Convention also reaffirmed the Council’s decision to form a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee to provide direction and guidance to the Council, Staff, and Chapters.

More information will be forthcoming on updating all pertinent documents to reflect the new Landmark and Policy. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, contact the National Office at 732-869-1895 or via email at hq@alphachirho.org.

Founded in 1895 at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, Alpha Chi Rho has established Chapters all across the United States. Alpha Chi Rho is a charter member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. Alpha Chi Rho cultivates a lifelong brotherhood where men challenge and inspire each other, through Character, Honor, and Integrity to improve themselves, their Fraternity, and society.