We have composed this petition without malice or disrespect seeking explanations from Dean Kevin Klose as to why key faculty members were dismissed from the college and what alternatives exist to the firings. We would also like Dean Klose’s future plans for the college made public in regards to the graduate programs, transfer students, incoming freshmen, and the annual budget now that these responsibilities no longer lie with those dismissed. After learning about the dismissals of Assistant Deans Steve Crane, Marchelle Payne-Gassaway, Matthew Sheehan, and a fourth staff member, the Philip Merrill student body, current and former staff were shocked and confused by these actions. Because of the state and university's budget troubles, it may not be realistic to reinstate the individuals who were dismissed. By signing this petition, you are requesting heretofore that Dean Klose be transparent and open regarding the future decisions within the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.