UConn-AAUP Update June 6, 2025
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- UConn-AAUP Files Unfair Labor Practice Complaint against UConn
- Unemployment for Striking Workers Picket at the Governor’s Mansion: Monday, June 16th
- National AAUP Webinar: “Understanding the Moment: Authoritarian Movements and How to Defeat Them”
- UConn-AAUP International Scholar Defense Fund
UConn-AAUP Files Unfair Labor Practice Complaint against UConn
On May 28, the UConn-AAUP filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint against the University of Connecticut over its Amplified Sound Policy. As we learned this semester, the administration is no longer allowing viable, outdoor political rallies on its campus from 9am to 5pm. UConn is unfortunately participating in national trends with this policy, muzzling free speech in ways that are utterly incompatible with life on a college campus.
Our complaint charges that the Amplified Sound Policy was an undue constraint on the effectiveness of our rally on April 17. At this event, attended by Senator Blumenthal, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, and approximately 500 people, speakers were forced to shout at the top of their lungs and were still not properly heard by many in the crowd.
The complaint also charges that the University is inconsistent in its application of the policy and allows other bodies that are not unions to use amplified sound before 5pm. On April 24, for instance, the Administration allowed Student Activities to host a very noisy, amplified event at the very same location — outside the Student Union — as part of Spring Weekend. We marvel at the values that would allow amplified sound for laser tag and outdoor video games but not for a serious rally protesting federal attacks on the very basis of university life and research.
We will keep you posted as this complaint proceeds through the State Board of Labor Relations.
Unemployment for Striking Workers Picket at the Governor’s Mansion
Join us for the Picket at the Governor’s Mansion – Sign SB 8 Into Law!
Date: Monday, June 16th
Time: 6:00 PM
The state’s labor movement has come together to support passing legislation extending unemployment benefits to striking workers. The proposal would level the playing field for union members standing up to employers who refuse to resolve disputes at the bargaining table.
Both the House and Senate have passed this legislation, but Governor Lamont is threatening to veto it. If so, he would be siding with corporations over working people – it’s time we show our strength at his mansion and urge he sign Senate Bill 8 into law.
Picket at the Governor’s Mansion – Sign SB 8 Into Law!
National AAUP Webinar: “Understanding the Moment: Authoritarian Movements and How to Defeat them”
June 10: Join us for our upcoming webinar “Understanding The Moment: Authoritarian Movements and How to Defeat Them,” which will focus on the AAUP’s role in confronting authoritarian threats and features Bill Fletcher and Standing for Democracy, on Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT. This webinar will explore the broader context behind today’s political landscape, a movement aimed at repealing the progress of the twentieth century, and the serious implications this poses for union members, higher education, and the future of democracy in the United States. Register here.
UConn-AAUP International Scholar Defense Fund
The International Scholar Defense Fund was created to defray the cost of legal consultation and legal representation for students and AAUP bargaining unit members at UConn who have questions, concerns, or emergencies regarding their immigration and citizenship status. We have compiled a list of Legal Firms that are available for our Members and Students to reach out to. The application for this fund and list of legal offices can be found here.