Dear President Hamilton:

As students of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, we deserve the opportunity to learn from the most knowledgeable, most trustworthy individuals. We put our faith in our professors to impart knowledge and to guide us through our academic careers. In light of Suraj Patel’s unsettling, inappropriate comments regarding McKayla Maroney, the NYU community is coming together to demand better of this university and of its educators.

Now more than ever, NYU must come forward and express its intolerance for the objectification of women. Because actions speak louder than words, the students of NYU ask that you remove Suraj Patel as an Assistant Adjunct Professor from the NYU Leonard Stern School of Business. Doing so would demonstrate to the student body and to universities across the nation that, in addition to vocally supporting movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up, NYU follows through on its words with concrete action.

NYU has always been a leader in the collegiate community in terms of integrity and compassion. To turn a blind eye to Suraj Patel’s comments regarding a respected world-class athlete is unacceptable. His words do not reflect the NYU that we know and love, and we hope that you will take the necessary measures to ensure that this university is represented only with professionalism and class.

Signatories: