Dear Kent State faculty,
Despite its current name, the Kent State faculty union is not a chapter of AAUP in the way in which that notion is commonly understood. Our union is an independent entity that voluntarily affiliates with AAUP rather than a dependent, local unit that owes its very existence to AAUP. From time to time over our history, the leadership of Kent State’s faculty union has questioned whether continuing the affiliation with AAUP is in the best interest of our union. We once again find ourselves in such a time.
As you will have seen on the news, the autoworkers are on strike. Here are a few ways that you can help UAW members:
- Sign the "All In with UAW" petition and share it on social media;
- Call 1-318-300-1249 to leave a message for the CEOs of Ford, GM, and Stellantis and tell them that UAW members deserve the same 40% raise the CEOs received over the past four years;
- Join an active picket line (not during times where you have class, office hours, etc.);
- Organize a Community Canvas at a Big Three auto dealership.
On Wednesday April 19th, Kent State University Professors Deborah Smith (Chapter President of AAUP-KSU) and Debra Calhoun gave testimony during a hearing at the Ohio Capitol in opposition to Senate Bill 83. Also present were Kent State University Professors Theresa Walton-Fisette, Yuko Kurahashi, and Denise Harrison.
