Purdue University Fort Wayne has announced the suspension of the French minor. Due to "budgetary challenges" and "historic declining enrollments," the university cancelled the search for a full-time French faculty member and the current minors are in a dire situation. We have been told those minors with "significant coursework left" will need to "select a different minor." Our organization perceives this as not only a threat to French, but the future of foreign language programs and Liberal Arts on our campus. 

The French Club at PFW is advocating for all French minors during these times of uncertainty. Students have invested time, money, and passion into their studies for French. The university is devaluing these aspects and not guaranteeing our education. We have not been given sufficient communication with those in administration and have been left with conflicting information from multiple sides. We are the only and last French program to offer a French minor in the city of Fort Wayne and have a reasonable amount of students currently enrolled in this program. International education is important for the progression of our society, as it amplifies a culturally aware mindset and prepares students for our globalized world. Furthermore, we are stressing immediate action. 

Our organization calls upon Purdue University Fort Wayne to allow all of those currently enrolled in the French minor to be able to finish our their minors and graduate with them. We were guaranteed these minors, and will not allow them to be forgotten. There are several options for all of those enrolled in this minor to finish, as we have the current faculty available as well as resources. In 2016, the French major was removed, and we are seeing history repeat itself. Many students do not have the financial privileges of attending universities that offer the French minor, and offering this program here at Fort Wayne allows greater opportunities for a wider variety of students. 

We urge you to add your voice to this petition, to tell us why you are doing so, and to stand with us. Please sign below and stand with the French program during our cause.

Saving French means saving foreign language. Pass it on.