We, the students and alumni of George Mason University, are protesting the dismissal of Professor Kirby Malone. Throughout his years at Mason, Professor Malone has inspired countless students from a wide range of disciplines. He fosters within his students a thirst for knowledge, a deep respect for all cultures, and an appreciation for the benefits of artistic collaboration. He also possesses a vast knowledge of the visual arts, cyberculture, performance art, gender studies and critical theory, which has been a great benefit to the department as well as to the University. We are extremely concerned that future generations of Mason students will not have the benefit of learning from Professor Malone. We view Professor Malone's ineligibility for reapplication as a strong message that the University does not value critical thinking, open discourse, or an interdisciplinary approach to the study of art. We strongly urge you to reconsider Professor Malone's importance as a professor in the Department of Art and Visual Technology.