As members of the University of Southern California (USC) community, we are deeply disturbed and appalled by the actions and remarks made by tenured Economics Professor John Strauss who also served as Director of Graduate Studies in the Economics Department.

His racist, xenophobic behavior, including stepping on names during a memorial service at USC for over 10k innocent civilians that lost their lives in Palestine, is unacceptable. His remarks - "everyone should be killed, and I hope they all are" - are not only offensive but also promote and incite violence. 

This behavior is unbecoming of an educator and a professor of this stature. Additionally this tarnishes the name and reputation of this university’s name that we USC Trojans are so proudly able to call home. With that being said we would be ashamed to associate ourselves to an esteemed educational institute such as USC if USC leadership is unable to condemn and effective immediately terminate Professor John Strauss.

These actions do not align with the values we uphold as an educational institution dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity. It is important to remember that professors represent academia; they exist for the betterment of society rather than spreading hateful rhetoric. They serve students who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The impact of such behavior on students can be detrimental. Studies have shown that exposure to racial discrimination can lead to negative mental health outcomes (American Psychological Association). This further emphasizes why it's crucial we hold our educators accountable for their actions.

(According to Act,  42 USCA § 18116, USC’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation and other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.)

This petition serves as a reminder to all professors and staff alike at educational institutes that they will be held accountable for their negative behavior towards students or anyone else within our community. We demand immediate action from USC administration: terminate Professor John Strauss' employment due to his inappropriate conduct.

Please sign this petition if you believe in creating a safe learning environment free from hate speech or discriminatory behavior at USC and for USC leadership to condemn and effective immediately terminate Professor John Strauss.