To sign the petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/stop-corrupt-admissions-at-the-university-of-illinois
[full petition text:]
Open Letter,
We are deeply disappointed by revelations of a separate and unequal “clout” admission system that has been in place at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
A recent Chicago Tribune investigation revealed a system of special consideration and more frequent admission to students advocated for by political connections.
In other words: the University’s administrators helped students cheat. They operated a separate set of rules and gave unfair advantages to students who happened to have powerful connections (at least 800 such students on the list since 2005 alone). As a result, the very administrators charged with educating young people to be ethical citizens and effective leaders failed to demonstrate either quality.
We have reason not to trust the University to investigate itself, and it is unacceptable for the investigation to consist of an internal panel that includes and reports to the same trustees culpable for perpetuating the clout list in the first place.
As a result, we, the undersigned, demand immediate corrective action that includes, but is not limited to:
1. The appointment of a truly independent commission to investigate the extent of the shadow clout system and ensure that a clear and equitably enforced admissions process is put into place.
2. The resignation of University officials and trustees who partook in the shadow admissions system to ensure accountability to the the University’s stakeholders (including current and past students, faculty, and Illinois taxpayers.)
We pledge to withhold donations to the university until the university takes adequate corrective action which has been implemented within deadlines that are publicly stated.
The undersigned,
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ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION: “Clout Goes to College” http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-college-clout-storygallery,0,3636100.storygallery
