The nutrition programs  at Long Island University Post are in jeopardy, and this situation hits home for all of us. Recently, both our undergraduate program director and our graduate program director were unexpectedly dismissed. This unsettling decision was made without any clear plan or timeline to appoint new directors, leaving our programs in a state of uncertainty.

The nutrition undergraduate and master's programs have long been a cornerstone of our institution, providing not only a vital foundation in nutritional sciences but also fostering a community of passionate students and educators. These programs have equipped countless students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of nutrition. Moreover, they have played a crucial role in feeding research and community outreach projects that have positively impacted nutrition education and public health initiatives.

Dismantling these programs would not only hinder current and prospective students' opportunities but also the broader community that relies on the expertise cultivated here. According to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), properly accredited nutrition programs are vital to ensuring high standards in nutritional education and professional practice. Losing our directors without an immediate contingency plan risks putting our program's accreditation status in jeopardy.

We understand the financial challenges faced by educational institutions today, yet cutting down such an essential program as nutrition, which deals directly with global health issues like malnutrition and obesity, would be a shortsighted decision. Nutrition is central to public health strategies worldwide. Our programs nurture graduates who can make real-world differences and who are crucial in addressing these ongoing health challenges.

We urge the university administration to reverse the decision and rehire our program directors. By doing so, we can ensure our programs maintain their integrity, full accreditation, and continue to offer an exemplary education for students passionate about health and nutrition.

Please join us in saving our nutrition programs. Sign this petition to call on the university administration to take immediate and decisive action. Let's safeguard the future of nutrition education and support a healthier world with informed graduates.