Over the winter break, English students at the University of Montana were informed of a proposal by the administration to eliminate the MA in Literature program, including the Ecocriticism option, as well as the Irish Studies program. 

In the wake of years of divestment from the department, including the recent termination of the MA in English Teaching program, this decision would effectively end graduate studies in English, threatens to crumble a vital pillar of the University’s renowned Creative Writing program, and attacks the unique living heritage we share with Ireland and Irish Americans. Unfortunately, this decision appears to have been made with little input from — or consideration for — faculty, and certainly no consultation from us, the students of UM.

As students and alumni of the University’s English department, we take seriously this ill-conceived threat to rip out a program whose people are deeply woven into the rich legacy and ongoing, everyday outcomes of the University, the Missoula community, the state of Montana, the region of the American West, and the Irish diaspora. The cutting of these threads would only weaken and deface the tapestry of this place into the future — a time when the literacy, research, and critical thinking skills at the heart of our program are considered more important than ever.

It is never too late for the administration to reconsider this decision and come together with us in good faith to find other solutions that would enhance, rather than diminish, the great work of the University.

By signing this public letter, you are marking your support for literacy, writing, and the humanities at the University of Montana. Together, we can make our voice heard and reverse these devastating cuts.

Please follow our progress here, on Substack, and on Instagram. Email inquiries, ideas, comments, stories, and letters of support to umtenglishstudents@gmail.com.