Keep Professor Dylan Clark at the University of Toronto at Mississauga

We, the undersigned, hereby petition to have Dr. Dylan Clarks contract renewed beyond the 2011-2012 school year so that he may continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students through his teaching, mentoring, and advising.

Dr. Dylan Clark has been lecturing at the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) since fall 2006. However, it has come to the attention of his students that his contract may not be renewed after the 2011-2012 school year since certain contracts are only renewed beyond a five year term under exceptional circumstances. Many of Dr. Clarks students believe that this is the exceptional circumstance.

Dr. Clark is a one of a kind professor who cannot be replaced. His lectures discuss crucial issues involving aboriginal peoples, the negative impact of advertisements, racism, accent discrimination, capitalism, poverty and much more. He is making a huge difference by passionately articulating his thoughts on vital world issues in his lectures. He is changing perceptions and educating students on topics that are seldom discussed with such passion and depth in other courses. The material in his lectures can be applied to all areas of life. If Dr. Clark could lecture the entire world this world would truly be a better place.

Please attend one of his lectures before making your decision. Failing to renew this professors contract will be a huge disappointment to past, current and future students! It will be very unfortunate and truly disheartening if Dr. Clark is not given the opportunity to continue to influence students through his teaching at UTM. Please consider Dr. Clarks teaching quality, his passion for the material he teaches, his research and the great impact he has made in the lives of his students before making your decision.

We understand universities need to balance their budget and we understand that universities value research, but we do not understand why instructors who are changing the world through their teaching do not have job security. It is very unfortunate that someone so intelligent, kind, student-friendly, and passionate about crucial world issues is in this predicament. Universities should not solely strive to build their reputation through research; they should strive to build their reputation through exceptional teachers as well and Dr. Dylan Clark is beyond exceptional.