1250 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 12-1:30 pm ___________________________________ Dear Colleagues, students, and supporter, Last week, Marquette President Mike Lovell announced the firing of 39 dedicated university staff. While his explanation for these cuts cite financial exigencies, numerous considerations raise serious questions about these claims. 1. Marquette is about to receive $9.7 million in stimulus funds from the Federal Government. Funds that are intended to cushion the impact of the COVID recession and stave off unnecessary job cuts. 2. Marquette’s recently published budget also includes a $12 million surplus with no explanation for its purpose. 3. The University has provided no proof that these job cuts are fiscally necessary in the current context.