Dr. Jason Lester is a highly respected faculty member at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work (DU GSSW), making a significant impact in the social work field and the academic experience at GSSW. However, Professor Lester was unceremoniously dismissed from DU via email on March 28th, 2025, citing "budgetary constraints." News of his undue dismissal was announced in the first week of April 2025 and reverberated throughout Craig Hall to the distress of students and faculty, who know Jason Lester as one of the most valued professors in the GSSW program. Please sign this petition to insist on the renewal of Dr. Jason Lester's faculty contract at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work.

Key Facts as of April 6th:

• Dr. Jason Lester was the only GSSW faculty member let go for the next academic year due to financial planning reasons
• DU stated that the dismissal was in no way a reflection of Dr. Lester's service to the university or faculty performance
• While citing budgetary constraints, DU continues its hiring activities, including a hiring search for two additional GSSW faculty positions
• Through his rich personal and professional experiences, Professor Lester contributes meaningfully to the diversity of instruction at DU GSSW
• Dr. Lester is one of the highest-rated GSSW professors, and his in-person classes are consistently sought after and overenrolled by students

Letter to Dean Henrika McCoy, DU Graduate School of Social Work:

Dear Dean McCoy,

We understand the financial challenges that DU and other higher education institutions are currently facing in the United States. However, the dismissal of Professor Lester undermines the quality of education at DU's Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) and depreciates the value of our institution. Considering data from the Council on Social Work Education, retaining top-level educators like Dr. Lester is crucial to maintaining school rankings and producing high-quality graduates. The renewal of his contract is not just about preserving one person's job, but also about maintaining our institute's integrity, quality, and commitment to social work values.

Professor Lester's students consistently praise his ability to deliver engaging, thought-provoking instruction informed by his 15-year career as a leader in the social work profession. His unique experiences and insights as a person of color who has navigated the very issues of systemic oppression DU GSSW publicly stands against make him invaluable to the program. His dismissal violates the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) core values by perpetuating the federal administration's attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion. To rectify this injustice and comply with the NASW Code of Ethics, DU GSSW must protect vulnerable and oppressed people, honor the dignity and worth inherent in Dr. Lester's experience, acknowledge the importance of students' relationships with faculty in their future success and well-being, and uphold social work competence and ethical integrity by reinstating Jason Lester in the GSSW faculty.

Dr. Lester also goes above and beyond his role as an educator by empowering students through mentorship and professional development, with many social work students crediting their career opportunities after graduation to Dr. Lester's guidance. As one of the most renowned and beloved GSSW faculty members, Jason Lester's forced departure is detrimental to the DU Graduate School of Social Work's future reputation, enrollment, and student outcomes. "Decreases in available financial resources" is not an adequate justification for the removal of such a key contributor to GSSW's short-term and long-term institutional success, especially when alternative budget plans are available.

Members of the DU Graduate School of Social Work community and beyond are prepared to publicize our grievances. Collectively, we call for the renewal of Dr. Jason Lester's faculty contract at DU GSSW. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue that impacts our shared institution and community.

Sincerely,
The DU Graduate School of Social Work Student Body & Community Members

Correspondence and inquiries can be directed to: advocatesforjasonlester@gmail.com

Petitioners will reconvene at the beginning of May to hold DU accountable for action steps toward Dr. Jason Lester’s reinstallment at GSSW.