Dear All, 

The power of unity is amazing. Within less than 48 hours, we have over 1100 signatures for our petition. What's amazing is that so many New Jersey students, alumni and parents have expressed serious concerns about the fact that Rutgers has endorsed such bigotry on campus.

I must acknowledge that Chancellor Cantor responded, which is a good first step. However, that is not enough. We need Rutgers to officially withdraw its support from such bigotry and also provide Hindus a forum on campus to debate Prof. Truschke and have indigenous Hindu scholars respond to her claims of history and Hindu symbols of faith. Chancellor Cantor says "We are an academic community whose excellence is inseparable from its diversity of perspectives and voices. We are committed to fostering full, open, and respectful engagement on ideas across this spectrum and remain prepared to work vigorously toward that end with all members of our community."

If Rutgers is serious about "diverse perspectives" and "open, respectful engagement" it should ensure that Hindus have an opportunity to provide their perspectives and also challenge bigotry. It needs to disown bigotry in order to ensure that Hindu students, alumni and parents continue to hold the University in high regards and continue supporting it with funds.

“The time is always right to do what is right.” - Dr. Martin Luther King