On February, 12th 17 full-time professors at Point Park University were notified that their contracts will not be renewed for the 2021-2022 school year. Not only are we losing 17 incredible professors across many departments, but most of the people on this list are BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and/or immigrants. We as a student body have been pushing for more inclusivity within our faculty, and instead, they are taking away diverse and important professors. The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, the full-time faculty union, believes that these non-renewals are a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. President Paul Hennigan, after speaking at the Student Government Association meeting, stated that these non-renewals are coming from department heads and are being decided with “academic quality” in mind. However, many students have attested to the significant quality of these professors not only as educators but as compassionate and hard-working mentors.  The administration has also mentioned the need to offset the money lost this past year due to COVID-19. Of course, we understand that the University has lost many funds as well as students due to this pandemic. However, it is unethical and irresponsible to let professors go during a time that has brought so much financial burden to so many. They do this all while also raising tuition next year to families and students who are struggling to make ends meet during this time. We understand the need for budget cuts, but the manner and timing of these dismissals is unfair. With the many issues at Point Park University that have risen over the past few years, not bringing student’s interests into the conversation and keeping professors who have been called out for racism, transphobia, and other issues while laying off diverse and respectful faculty, is unacceptable.

Please sign and share this petition to show support for these 17 influential and driven professors and to address Point Park University once again, putting money before the education and livelihoods of faculty and students. Thank you so much!

To learn more of the details, please look at this article from the Point Park University  Globe-- https://ppuglobe.com/2021/02/university-sends-letters-of-nonrenewal-to-17-full-time-faculty-members/