Petition in support of Professor David Protess of Northwestern University, and requesting a public explanation of the facts surrounding the apparent removal of Professor Protess as Medill's Investigative Journalism professor for this spring, as reported in the Daily Northwestern and the Chicago Tribune.
We, the undersigned, are alumni of Northwestern University and of Medill. We are greatly concerned about the apparent removal of Professor David Protess as Medill's Investigative Journalism professor for this spring, as reported in the Daily Northwestern and the Chicago Tribune.
Many of us had the opportunity to take Professor Protess' class during his 29 years at Northwestern. In our view, he is an outstanding professor, and an important reason why Medill is so highly regarded nationally and globally. We believe that Professor Protess has performed invaluable service in his roles with Northwestern and the Innocence Project. We are concerned that the school's abrupt, unexplained removal of Professor Protess raises many unanswered questions, and is harmful to Northwestern and to Medill.
Therefore, we are writing to request a public explanation of the facts surrounding the apparent removal of Professor Protess. In particular, we would like to know the reasons for Professor Protess' removal, and your explanation of why this action was necessary and is in the best interests of Medill and Northwestern. We would also like to request an appropriate review of the facts and circumstances, to ensure that this decision is in the best interests of the school.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.
