Save David Madden

Dear Dean Dominy,

We are students of sociology, both majors and non-majors, and we would like to contest the decision to not renew Professor David Madden's contract and to consequently divert interest and support for the sociology department at this institution. We not only disagree with the decision to let David Madden go, but we also disagree with the decision to restrict the number of professors in the sociology department in general. We as sociology students disagree with the conclusion that anthropology or psychology are similar enough programs that the sociology department can be supplemented with classes from these "similar" programs. David Madden is a fantastic professor who offers classes in the areas of urban policy, urban sociology and political sociology. His classes are relevant to programs that Bard College endorses like the New Orleans project. David Madden is integral not only to the sociology department but also to other departments like the Environmental Urban Studies program, the Social Policy concentration and the Human Rights department here at Bard College. David Madden teaches courses at Bard that are offered by no other program and attract numerous students to the sociology, and the EUS departments.

We as students of sociology feel as if the college is not interested in our program of study thanks to this decision. And in addition, as alumni, we will find it hard to consider endorsing and donating to a school that is actively marginalizing our department. David Madden exemplifies the intellectual rigor and quality teaching that we expect of our institution. In addition he is highly accessible and supportive of his students. It will be a shame for Bard College to let this excellent professor go.

Thank you for your time. We hope you reconsider your decision.