We are the many, now former advisees of Dr. Munir Jiwa, who was wrongfully terminated from his position as the director of the Center for Islamic Studies at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) on March 21, 2024. We have witnessed how Dr. Jiwa has positively impacted not only our lives but also those of countless other students over his tenure of 17 years as the founding director of the Center for Islamic Studies.

Dr. Jiwa's termination was not based on merit or performance but rather stemmed from a politically charged and biased administration that sought to stifle him and our beloved Center for Islamic Studies for years on end, all because he stood up for his students and the integrity of the center he worked so hard to found.

The impact of this wrongful termination extends beyond just us students; it affects the entire community in Berkeley, CA, and the Bay Area, where GTU is located. Under Dr. Jiwa's leadership, the Center for Islamic Studies has been a beacon of knowledge and understanding about Islam in an era where such understanding is crucially needed and critically underrepresented.

We believe that reinstating Dr. Jiwa will restore integrity to our institution and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from his wisdom, guidance, and dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Let us stand together against this wrongful termination by signing this petition demanding that GTU reinstate Dr. Munir Jiwa as Director of the Center for Islamic Studies immediately!