Sam Olens: Source: http://law.ga.gov/

A petition to stop Georgia’s attorney general from becoming the next president of Kennesaw State University has gathered more than 3,000 signatures.

Sam Olens has not officially been named to the post, but rumors of a possible appointment have been circulating. Earlier this week, a Atlanta Business Chronicle article said his appointment was certain. The Atlanta Journal Constitution cited sources saying his appointment is likely, but not final.

The Care2 petition, started by a KSU student and alumna, protests Olens’ appointment due to his anti-LGBTQ views.

“Hiring Sam Olens as the new KSU President is one huge step backwards for the university,” the petition says.

Olens argued that marriage equality is not a “fundamental right” and joined Georgia in a multi-state lawsuit fighting the Obama administration’s protections for transgender students, says a news release about the petition.

Olens defended Georgia’s gay marriage ban, which was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015. He also has opposed the Obama administration’s direction that public schools must allow transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity

“Hearing that Mr. Olens may be hired as KSU’s new president goes against every value I know my alma mater to represent: diversity, tolerance, and positive discourse,” says petition co-author Sarah Rose, who is also Care2’s LGBTQ Issues Advocate.

To view the Care2 petition, click here.