We, the undersigned students of the University of Illinois and concerned community members, petition in conjunction with the U of I Faculty to retain James Kilgore, as we "view the decision not to approve future contracts of employment for James Kilgore as a blow to academic freedom and employment equity. This sets a dangerous precedent for further unwarranted interference in the affairs of universities from groups with political agendas not in keeping with the advancement of higher education 

Therefore, we ask that the University of Illinois, with immediate effect, reverse its decision not to approve James Kilgore’s future employment contracts. We further ask that the administration base all future decisions regarding employment on performance and suitability for the position, not on outside political pressure or criminal background (http://supportjameskilgore.weebly.com/)." ;