Dear President Whitten,
 
Will you do the right thing? Will you promise no layoffs?
 
Great news! There is no need for layoffs! The AJC reported on June 3rd, that Governor Kemp will be cutting USG’s budget by 11% instead of the 14% originally planned. While we know that 0% budget cuts to higher education is possible by removing unfair corporate tax breaks, we are glad to see that the Governor responded to the public’s pressure to support public services. KSU along with other USG institutions had already proposed budget cuts based on 14%. Included in those cuts were layoffs that would have saved KSU up to $3.1 million dollars. Luckily, we will need to cut $4.8 million less from KSU’s budget because of the decrease to 11%. This means that without a doubt, none of these proposed layoffs are necessary!
 
We the undersigned are asking KSU to make a commitment to no layoffs. Other institutions such as UGA have already announced plans to remove at least some proposed layoffs from the budget. Georgia Southern committed from the beginning to make budget cuts without any layoffs on their campus. We know it is possible based on these responses and the math. Now, will you, President Whitten, commit to protecting our jobs and livelihoods?
 
We are also requesting a more detailed accounting of any layoffs or significant hours cut since the beginning of the pandemic. We have first-hand reports of student workers being laid off and/or having their hours severely cut when the pandemic began. What has happened to our part-time workers, dining services staff, facilities staff, and adjunct faculty?

In solidarity with all KSU workers,
380 signatures and counting...

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