The Request

We respectfully call on Eastern Illinois University to immediately suspend ACTS Ministries’ recognition and campus access pending an independent, transparent, and thorough review of the organization’s activities, practices, and compliance with university policies.

This request is procedural, preventative, and rooted in the university’s duty of care to protect student well-being.

Why This Review Is Necessary

Eastern Illinois University is responsible for ensuring that all recognized organizations operating on campus uphold institutional standards related to student safety, autonomy, nondiscrimination, and mental health.

ACTS Ministries has been the subject of multiple concerns raised by former participants and community members, including allegations of high-control, coercive, or manipulative practices. Such allegations—particularly when raised within an academic environment—warrant serious institutional review, regardless of intent.

Universities exist to nurture free thought, personal growth, and student agency. Any organization alleged to undermine these principles must be reviewed to ensure compliance with university policy and best practices.

This petition does not assert criminal conduct or legal guilt. It calls for process, oversight, and transparency.

Context and Community Concern

Our university community has recently experienced the tragic death of Tania Lacora Stanford-Ward, a loss that has deeply affected students, alumni, and families connected to Eastern Illinois University.

Her passing has intensified community concern and the desire to understand whether any institutional gaps, oversight failures, or unreviewed influences may exist that could impact student well-being.

This petition does not allege causation, fault, or criminal responsibility in connection with her death.

Rather, it recognizes that moments of profound loss often reveal the need for careful institutional reflection and review to ensure student protections are sufficient and consistently enforced.

Why Universities Must Act Proactively

Research and student advocacy organizations have documented that a portion of college students encounter high-pressure or high-control groups during their education—groups that may exploit vulnerability, discourage dissent, or exert undue influence.

Eastern Illinois University has both the authority and the responsibility to:

• Review student organizations when credible concerns arise
• Ensure compliance with student organization policies
• Act preventatively to protect students from potential harm
• A temporary suspension during review is a standard, reasonable safeguard, not a punitive judgment.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully request that Eastern Illinois University:

1. Suspend ACTS Ministries’ recognition and campus activities pending review

2. Conduct an independent, unbiased investigation into the organization’s practices

3. Assess compliance with university policies on student safety, autonomy, and nondiscrimination

4. Communicate findings transparently to the university community

These steps prioritize student welfare while preserving fairness and due process.

Why Your Signature Matters

By signing this petition, you are not making an accusation.

You are standing for:

Student safety
Institutional accountability
Transparency
Preventative oversight

You are asking the university to do what it exists to do: protect its students and uphold its values.

No more. No less.

Eastern Illinois University has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and care by responding thoughtfully and proactively to community concerns.

We urge university leadership to act promptly and transparently.

Please sign this petition to support a formal review and help ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students.

In Jesus Name ☝🏾