For more than four decades, the Homestead has been an essential part of Denison's community. It has served as a space where students at Denison learn what it takes to live a self-sufficient lifestyle. Nestled on the edge of the BioReserve, up to 12 students have the opportunity to live at the Homestead each semester, developing many important life skills, ranging from conflict-resolution to how to cook to how to reduce one’s carbon footprint. The closure of the Homestead would mark the end of an era that has brought joy and connection to so many lives.

The Homestead is a testament to the strong community that Denison takes pride in. It is a place of learning, celebrations, and togetherness. It offers unique experiences not only to those who live there, but also to other students, staff, and community members. The Homestead is a part of what makes Denison so special. 

We urge the university administration, Student Life, and the students of Denison to work together to halt the impending closure. Yes, the Homestead has experienced low enrollment over the last few semesters. And yes, the transition in oversight of the Homestead—from Granville community members, to Denison faculty, and most recently to the Office of Student Life—has created administrative challenges. However, the Homestead has weathered periods of low enrollment and change in the past, and with the support of Denison’s community, it can do it again.

Preserving the Homestead means preserving a vital link to Denison's past and ensuring that future students have the same opportunities to grow, learn, and further improve the Homestead.

Denison’s Mission statement claims, “Our purpose is to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens of a democratic society. Through an emphasis on active learning, we engage students in the liberal arts, which fosters self-determination and demonstrates the transformative power of education.”

The Homestead embodies that mission by fostering a self-reliant, democratic community for students. It nurtures students’ autonomy and their ethical decision-making by allowing them to resist consumer-culture and center living in harmony with the natural world. Living at the Homestead may not be for everyone, but its presence at Denison benefits all.

If you have never visited the Homestead, consider coming to one of the community dinners held every Friday. Enjoy some delicious food, a bonfire, and see for yourself why the shutdown of the Homestead would be a tremendous loss to Denison University. 

And if the Homestead has touched your life in any way, please share your story in the comments portion of this petition. Everyone should know what’s at stake in shutting down the Homestead.

Let's work together to ensure that the legacy of the Homestead continues. Join us in our effort to protect this gem. Sign this petition to show your support!!