UPDATED 3/7/2025

To the Kutztown University Administration and Council of Trustees,

We, the students, faculty, alumni, and community members, strongly oppose the announced moratorium on the Anthropology and Cultural Geography programs and the merger of the Anthropology, Sociology, History, Geography, and Modern Languages departments into a single unit. This decision, set to take effect in Spring 2026, means students will no longer be able to major in Anthropology or Cultural Geography at Kutztown University. As a result, access to these courses will significantly decrease, and the invaluable opportunity to study these disciplines in depth will be lost.

These programs are not just academic fields; they shape our understanding of the world, influence the way we interact with one another, and provide critical perspectives on societal and cultural dynamics. Their elimination undermines the university’s mission of fostering a well-rounded, diverse, and intellectually engaged student body. The consolidation of these departments, leaving only about 15-25 faculty members to cover a broad range of disciplines, will undoubtedly diminish the depth and quality of education in these fields.

The study of social sciences and humanities is crucial for understanding history, culture, human behavior, and societal structures. The elimination of the Anthropology and Cultural Geography programs means that students will no longer have the opportunity to major in these fields, significantly reducing course offerings and limiting access to these crucial areas of study. These disciplines equip students with critical thinking, analytical, and cross-cultural communication skills essential for success in an increasingly globalized world. The removal of these programs will limit opportunities for students to engage in meaningful scholarship, research, and career development in these necessary fields.

We believe that:

• The elimination of these vital programs will negatively impact the university’s academic diversity and weaken its reputation.
• Social sciences and humanities contribute to a well-rounded education and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Other social science departments rely on these disciplines to help build the foundation for all social science majors.
• This decision disproportionately affects students who are passionate about these fields, forcing them to seek education elsewhere.
• The university should prioritize investment in these core academic programs rather than cutting them.
• We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and to actively involve students and faculty in discussions about the future of these programs. Additionally, we request transparency regarding the reasoning behind this moratorium and demand alternative solutions that preserve these essential academic disciplines.

We stand together in advocating for a university that values diverse fields of study and upholds its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

*This issue will be addressed at the Council of Trustees meeting on March 13th at 3:00 PM in the McFarland Student Union, Room 250 (President's Room) We strongly encourage students, faculty, and community members to attend in person if possible to show support for this cause. If you are unable to attend, please consider signing this petition to stand in solidarity with those advocating for these essential academic programs.*