Because Yale has refused to renew the two year teaching contract for David Graeber, an anthropology professor, students are organizing on his behalf, calling for the University to re-hire him. The petition-letter is short, and all the more powerful because of it. They cut to the chase:

What we all share is an admiration for David’s work linking scholarly research to leadership and action in the wider world. In recognition of his contributions to the Yale community and to the wider scholarly community, we strongly urge Yale University and the Yale University Department of Anthropology to take all steps necessary to ensure that David Graeber continues to remain a member of the faculty of the Yale Department of Anthropology.

Undoubtedly the administration and the faculty see him as political nuisance. He is known for his unflagging political commitment, work, and organizing. He has written profusely about them, and in ways that are humorous, clear and accessible; I taught
Fragments of an Anarchist Anthropology in my hacker class this year, and it profoundly challenged most students in the class. Even those uncompelled by his critique of capitalism, nonetheless, respected his arguments, largely because of his honesty, clarity, and wit. We need more scholars willing to cross the bridge between activism and the academy, political labor and mental labor, but they can only do so with steady employment. If you know David, or his work and support it, support the petition.