To all who had the courage to sign the petition,

 Thank you for your commitment to saving our Democracy. For those of us who know history,  we know we are witnessing a historic authoritarian takeover  of OUR government. One of the many destructive goals of this regime is to literally dismantle higher education. Dismantle it to the point where only the wealthy can afford it, only the white male will feel safe, and all others will have no protections for their safety, security and well being.  Please click on the link below from the NEA which does a great job in explaining things further.  

 

https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/project-2025-and-higher-education

The elimination of the DEI program was the first step in the dismantling effort.  Next step has already been taken with Trumps "compact" agreement with 9 universities that will remove the protections of federal law and give the regime power over these Universities (what they can teach, who can teach it ,and who can receive the education). Please read the article below which explains what is in this "compact" agreement. 

 

Guardian article

 

 

BIGGER PICTURE

Once a University capitulates on the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion,  it will then be asked to limit the topics that students and faculty can explore in the classroom.  Then, it will be asked to add only the topics that are deemed essential by the government.  Then it will be asked to remove the student affairs programs that support marginalized, disabled and female students.  Then it will asked to PROHIBIT peaceful protests as a result of these changes.

Other than to have the courage to restore the DEI office, the bigger purpose of the petition is to make sure that PITT does not continue to capitulate to the Fascist goals of this regime , and confirms its commitment to protecting each and every student by eliminating the inclusivity requirement. 

 

 

We want to know from PITT:

 

When will they draw the line on capitulation?  How far does this go and how are they prepared to handle the reduction in federal funding if they do draw the line at some point.?

How will they protect the marginalized groups when they are requiring inclusivity to be a part of the new OIEW program? ( Think Jewish support group required to let a Neo-Nazi in the door)

We are working hard to find these answers and will continue to work tirelessly to get to the right people for these answers.  In the meantime, please continue to pass the petition along.  One problem is that I am not on social media.  If you know anyone on Blue Sky who would be willing to post the above information regarding the BIGGER PICTURE along with the petition please do so. 

Lastly, a reminder that this petition is also for anyone who supports the Alumni at the University of Pittsburgh.

UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL

 

 

Much appreciation to every single one of you,

 

 

Lisa Faloon