During the summer of 2019, Eastern University laid off 14* professors (and an additional 6* faculty + staff). Although there may have been justification, this has not been communicated to the student body. Due to the lack of transparency, students at Eastern University, first, want answers. Why were there faculty cuts? Why were these particular faculty members chosen to be laid off? 

Also, as a collected community, see that many of the professors laid off are affirming, accepting, and are constantly advocating for marginalized students. We find it even more appalling that there are professors that were deemed worthy of not being laid off even though they actively discriminate against students. In particular, we have seen a specific professor openly discriminate against non-neurotypical students in their classes. Although multiple students have brought it to the school's attention through various emails and class reviews, nothing has been done. 

Eastern University  claims to be a Christian school founded on "faith, reason, and justice," but does not seem to follow through on that motto. 

Eastern University wants more students to enroll, but who will teach them? How will they keep their student-to-faculty ratio low (for a small, private school) when they fire the professors?

This petition was made as a call to action. Signing means standing with your professors. The professors that gave us extensions, a helping hand, and an invaluable education. Let these professors know that what Eastern University did is not right. We want to see action done.

We want our professors back. 

* these numbers are rumored, but have been confirmed by trusted on-campus sources