As the gyre widens and the world turns and turns at an ever-confusing and violent pace, the humanities now have more purpose than ever. Some of those entrusted to protect and share such a beautiful and raw power seem to embrace a world where only a select few can teach and learn the arts. On August 21st, twenty-three Creative Writing lecturers at Stanford University were unexpectedly and callously informed about their termination in a meeting with Deans, Directors, and a few tenured Professors. The administration also decided to “restructure” the Stanford Creative Writing program. This firing comes a year after a successful petition (by the Jones Lecturers) for increased compensation, benefits, and security. Presumably, Stanford wants to hire shorter-term, lower-paid lecturers. This sudden decision has rippled through higher education and appreciators of the arts alike. Student and alum support has poured in for those impacted through letters to the Stanford administration. The authors of the letters have only received chilled auto-replies and brief responses regarding the disturbing and harebrained decision. In response, a Substack has been created to serve as a platform for sharing the letters and raising awareness about the impact of the dismissal. The humanities are fundamental and should be treated as such. As we become more disconnected, we cannot allow or afford the great unifier—the arts—to be snuffed out. Read the ‘Dear Stanford Letters’ here: