"It's a very formal way of making sure that the allegations are both heard and responded to," Plants said.

Leonard said he signed the petition because he thought Burton was damaging the council's image on campus.

"John Burton epitomizes everything the average student hates about the council," he said.

But Alexander A. Boni-Saenz '01, a Burton supporter, said he didn't think the legislation will muster the two-thirds necessary to remove him from office.

Boni-Saenz denounced the move as politically motivated, and said the ten representatives signing the petition were "a group of partisans using The Crimson to spawn allegations [of scandal]."

Hawkins disagreed, pointing out that he supported Burton when he ran for president in 1998.

"The decision to impeach Burton is entirely non-partisan," Hawkins said. "In this election, I have been disgusted by his behavior and was very upset by the way he chose to run his campaign. Burton's actions speak for themselves."

Marshall, who as the council's parliamentarian is charged with keeping members informed of constitutional rules and procedures, said he was uncertain how Sunday's hearing will be conducted.