We, the students of the Sustainability Department at Maharishi International University, are writing with urgency and conviction to call for the reinstatement of Mark Stimson.

Mark has been a dedicated and respected member of the MIU community since the 1970s. His impact extends far beyond the classroom and into the greater Fairfield community. He regularly donates produce from his personal gardens to the local shelters, played a key role in building a shelter for unhoused individuals, and has even personally housed community members in need. His generosity and quiet leadership have made a tangible difference in people’s lives, embodying the values of service and sustainability that MIU stands for. As the only full-time faculty member in the Sustainability Department, he has played an essential role in shaping the program and supporting countless students over the years. His commitment to education, sustainability, and MIU’s mission is unmatched.

We believe Mark was unjustly terminated following a situation at the end of the spring semester that was handled without proper transparency or process. His dismissal—delivered while students were off campus—has caused confusion, hurt, and growing concern among the student body. To make matters worse, the majority of university leadership has remained silent, offering no communication or clarity to the students most affected. This lack of transparency is eroding the trust we place in the institution.

Mark’s absence leaves the department without leadership or continuity. Many of us chose to attend MIU specifically because of the Sustainability Department and the unique courses Mark teaches, such as the Tiny House course. His removal puts the future of this program—and our trust in the administration—at risk.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request the following:

• A transparent and detailed explanation for Mark Stimson’s dismissal.
• A full re-evaluation of that decision, with serious consideration for his reinstatement.
• A commitment to clear communication with students going forward.

We care deeply about this university, our education, and the values MIU was founded on. In today’s world—facing environmental uncertainty, social fragmentation, and an urgent need for regenerative solutions—this department is more critical than ever. We are learning how to build, grow, and thrive off-grid; how to live in alignment with natural systems; and how to empower others to do the same. These skills are often undervalued in mainstream society, yet they are exactly what the future demands. This program equips students with the tools to not only survive, but to help others create resilient, conscious, and sustainable lives. Reinstating Mark Stimson is a critical step toward restoring trust and upholding those values in action.

Signed,

Students of Sustainability Department at MIU