Open Letter to Fisk University and Additional Information

As a concerned student of Fisk University, I am deeply troubled by the course purge that took place on August 23 and August 25, 2023. If purged students do not have their balances cleared then they will have to move out by September 8 at 5 PM, additionally, their meal cards will stop working. This decision not only jeopardizes the academic progress and future prospects of countless students but also poses significant challenges to their housing and meal arrangements. Therefore, I urge the university administration to delay the course purge until November 1, 2023.

I am a freshman at Fisk University, and many of my peers have been affected by this course purge. This purge has caused immense stress and uncertainty in many of our lives as we strive for educational success amidst these challenging times. The lack of communication between the university administration, faculty members, and students has only added to our anxiety.

Petition Demands:

1. Delay Course Purge and Protect Purged Students: We request that Fisk University postpone the course purge until November 1, 2023. This additional time will allow students to adequately prepare for any changes in their academic schedules without compromising their educational journey. Additionally, students who are purged from courses should be granted immunity from being forced to move out of dormitories or face eviction from university housing facilities. These sudden changes can disrupt students' lives significantly; therefore, they should be provided with stability during this transitional period.

2. Transparent Communication: We demand better communication between the university administration, faculty members, and students regarding important decisions such as course purges or other significant policy changes affecting student welfare. Transparent communication will foster trust within our community while ensuring everyone is well-informed about crucial developments.

3. Better Room and Board Conditions: We demand better living and eating conditions. So many Fiskites have experienced: moldy rooms, broken AC, leaking pipes, undercooked food, expired food, and more. The quality of life is unacceptable and it is hard to understand the University’s decision for such an unethical purge when as students we aren’t being supported well anyway.

4. Improved Security Detail and Campus Safety: The university must prioritize the safety of its students and the security of its campus. Too often when students call for help they are met by annoyance, flippancy, and empty promises. Continuing, campus safety has been a demand for years. The open nature of our campus Timely assistance and accurate information are vital for students facing financial challenges or seeking guidance on tuition payments, scholarships, or loans.

Lastly, we demand that any students or staff who participate in this protest are immune from any financial, academic, legal, and disciplinary action or retaliation from the University.

By signing this petition, we express our collective concern for the well-being of Fisk University students who are currently facing the consequences of the course purge and advocate on behalf of the student body for a better school experience overall. We believe that by delaying the purge until November 1, 2023, providing protection to purged students' housing rights, maintaining access to meal cards, improving communication channels within our community, enhancing room and board, and amplifying campus security and safety - Fisk University can uphold its commitment to fostering a nurturing educational environment.

Together, let us stand united in this necessary trouble, good trouble. Join us in advocating for fairness and compassion towards all Fisk University students during these challenging times. Sign this petition today to ensure that no student's dreams are shattered due to circumstances beyond their control.

Thank you for your support! If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: studentbrynnpatterson@gmail.com

Brynn Alexandra Patterson
Petition Writer, Class of 2027

Nashville, Tennessee, USA