Dear Creative Writing Faculty, Humanities Deans, and affiliated members,

As concerned members of the Creative Writing community, we believe we are closer than ever to resolving the ongoing issues that have caused significant stress for months (for information on what has transpired, visit Save Stanford Creative Writing). We recognize the importance of this matter, especially as its long-term impact on the program and campus community becomes more apparent.

Recent reports indicate a 40% decline in applications to the Levinthal Tutorial, one of our most popular undergraduate creative writing programs. This trend reflects broader concerns: many of our most engaged students are increasingly unsettled about the future of the program and department, while incoming students are reconsidering their interest in both the English Major and Creative Writing Minor.

While we acknowledge the positive discussions facilitated by both faculty and administration, the underlying issues remain unresolved. Productive meetings have taken place this quarter, and there are multiple agreements among lecturers, faculty, and deans about what is best for the program. However, progress has been stymied by the absence of key faculty members, who are seen as essential to enacting the necessary changes.

We believe that the final step toward resolution requires a meeting that includes at least Dean Satz, Dean Safran, Gavin Jones, three lecturers, three student representatives, Nick Jenkins, and as many Creative Writing professors as can attend. We have consistently been told that these individuals are the decision-makers with the authority to implement change. A meeting of this group is essential to ensure that all voices are heard, all perspectives are considered, and there are no further delays in enacting agreed-upon solutions.

As current English Majors, Creative Writing Minors, and participants in CW courses we cannot emphasize enough how crucial these discussions are for the well-being of the Creative Writing community and the broader Stanford student body. While we are grateful for the open dialogue thus far, the time has come for concrete action. We believe that holding this meeting before the end of the quarter (December 6) will be the key to finalizing a solution that benefits everyone involved.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your support in arranging this critical meeting.

Sincerely,  

Sara Simoni, English Major, '26

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