The WLU Women's Studies Department is asking for students, faculty, and community members that are familiar with the program to write letters of support (describing things like how WS has shaped your university experience, and the value you have gotten from your classes). If you don't have time to write a full letter, please add your comments here to show your support. Please note that this petition is not in response to any particular decisions or actions specific to the WS department; the school has not yet made any final decisions regarding the upcoming year. However, we feel that any time is the best time to show your support for a well-loved, well-respected academic program. 

We, the undersigned, support the following statement: 

A Women's Studies department is an essential element of any university culture; Women's Studies classes are forums for progressive thought, the development of critical thinking, and the shaping of active, contributing members of society. Women's Studies professors of various backgrounds are a priceless resource, as they create a culture of inquiry, inspiration, and community engagement at university. 

We wish to voice our support for the Women's Studies department (and its full- and part-time professors) at Wilfrid Laurier University, and hope that every effort is made now and in the future to ensure the continuation and development of this invaluable part of our learning environment.