Several weeks ago, SBA President Jacob Gardner inadvertently sent a \"forward\" email containing jokes based on racial stereotypes (\"Ghetto Spellin\' Bee\") to a black member of the SBA. Gardner made a personal apology to the recipient of this email immediately, characterizing his action as \"immature.\" Since then Gardner has also made personal apologies to black student leaders on the Law School campus for the offensive nature of the email and any insensitivity his actions may have shown. Moreover, Gardner has publicly sent out his \"unconditional and heartfelt apology\" to all Law Center students, accompanied by a his commitment to \"work tirelessly toward reversing the consequences of these recent actions\" and to \"improve racial understanding\" among the students. Black student leaders have thus far rejected Gardner\'s efforts and public apology because they feel Gardner\'s actions are so unforgivable, he should resign his position. As Gardner has declined to step down as SBA president, Law Center administrators now contemplate forcing him out of his student-elected office. We, the undersigned students of this petition, feel this is an inappropriate action for school administrators to take as it undermines the independence of our student-elected, governing body. We feel that if anyone should have the power to decide the fate of a student-elected official, it should be the students. UPDATE: WOW, THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO HAS SIGNED ON. SUPPORT FROM STUDENTS AND ALUMNI HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING. IF YOU HAVEN\'T ALREADY, PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND SIGN ON!

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