We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the reprehensible actions of DJ Vlad in attempting to silence a prominent Black woman, [Professor Morgan Jerkins], and jeopardize her esteemed position as a professor at Princeton University. This petition is a call to action to defend academic freedom, uphold the principles of free speech, and combat racial discrimination.

The situation at hand is deeply troubling and emblematic of the systemic challenges faced by Black individuals, particularly Black women, in asserting their voices and advocating for their communities. [Professor Morgan Jerkins], a highly respected scholar and educator, fearlessly confronted DJ Vlad’s inappropriate interference in Black affairs, rightly asserting that he should “stay outta Black folks business.”

In response, DJ Vlad has launched a vindictive campaign to pressure Princeton University into terminating Professor Morgan Jerkins’s employment, a blatant attempt to silence dissent and suppress marginalized perspectives. This egregious act not only undermines the integrity of academia but also perpetuates a harmful pattern of silencing Black voices and stifling critical discourse.

The importance of protecting academic freedom and safeguarding the rights of educators to engage in robust debate and intellectual inquiry cannot be overstated. Professor Morgan Jerkins’s courageous stance exemplifies the principles of integrity, accountability, and social responsibility that should be celebrated and defended within our academic institutions.

Therefore, we call upon Princeton University to take immediate and decisive action to address this injustice. Specifically, we demand that Princeton University:

 1. Publicly denounce DJ Vlad’s vindictive campaign against Professor Morgan Jerkins and affirm its unwavering support for her right to free speech and academic freedom.

 2. Initiate a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding DJ Vlad’s efforts to undermine Professor Morgan Jerkins’s position and hold him accountable for any violations of university policies or ethical standards.

 3. Take proactive measures to ensure the safety, well-being, and professional security of Professor Morgan Jerkins, including providing necessary support and protection against further harassment or retaliation.

By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Professor Morgan Jerkins and all those who are fighting against censorship, discrimination, and injustice. Together, we can send a powerful message that attempts to silence Black voices will not be tolerated, and that academic freedom and equity must prevail at Princeton University and beyond.

#StopSilencingBlackVoices #DefendAcademicFreedom #StandWithProfessorMorganJerkins