Know your Rights Workshop September 24th – TOMORROW!
Join us at a Know your Rights Immigration Workshop on September 24th at 5:00pm in Konover Auditorium. This workshop is open to UConn Faculty, Staff, Graduate and Undergraduate Students.
UConn-AAUP recognizes the ever-changing landscape within this area and hope you will join us to learn and be prepared to protect and support our community. Questions please reach out to Gina at ginadb@uconnaaup.org
The Fight for Free Speech at UConn
The UConn-AAUP is currently pursuing a complaint with the state labor board against the UConn administration for its Amplified Sound Policy, which we argue is a clear violation of the free speech rights of everyone on campus. Last Friday, representatives of the Union and the Administration sat down with mediators from the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations for a preliminary hearing. The formal hearing with the State Labor Board is set for October 8.
Last April, the UConn-AAUP had its largest rally in its history. Many faculty, staff, students, and community members came out to the Student Union patio at the Storrs Campus to protest the Federal government’s attacks on higher education, particularly its ideologically driven cuts of Federal grants and attempts to limit the very presence of International Scholars in our Country. US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz were among the speakers.
But many could not hear them. This was because of the administration’s amplified sound policy, enacted in August 2024, which effectively prohibits amplified sound at any event not approved by the administration from 9am to 5pm. Without amplified sound, you cannot have a viable outdoor rally of any size. The same month as our rally, the administration allowed loud music in the very same spot — outside the student union — for Spring weekend events including laser tag and outdoor video games. Clearly, the issue is not one of decibels.
As we said at the time, 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. For generations, universities have been sites of peaceful protest and demonstrations, and the recent amplified sound policy is part of a national move to roll back long-standing cultural traditions of free speech in the United States.
We will keep you posted on ongoing developments.
UConn-AAUP Update Regarding H1-B visas
As you may have heard, over the weekend Donald Trump issued a Presidential proclamation concerning International Workers with H-1B visa status that took effect over the weekend.
If you are a UConn-AAUP member with H-1B visa status who is currently traveling, or if you have plans to travel, please follow the instructions sent by UConn. Please also copy David Amdur at davidamdur@uconnaaup.org so that the Union can support you through the process of navigating next steps.
UConn-AAUP Assistance
UConn-AAUP not only negotiates the collective bargaining agreement but also ensures that it is followed. UConn-AAUP bargaining unit members may find themselves in situations where they are unsure if the administration is taking an action(s) that may impact the terms and conditions of their employment. If you are concerned about any matter and/or if you have not received notification of your reappointment and are concerned about the notice requirements for your position please contact David Amdur, Associate Director at davidamdur@uconnaaup.org to confidentially discuss your concerns or questions.
Chief Negotiator Blog Post 9/15
The chief negotiator has posted an update on negotiations. Log in now to review: UConn AAUP Member Website | Membership Website
If you have not signed up for the membership site- please do so today! Use the link above to create a profile. The office will verify membership and then you will have access to the full site. This membership site is for dues paying members. Not a member? Join now!
UConn-AAUP International Scholar Defense Fund
The International Scholar Defense Fund was created to defray the cost of legal consultation and legal representation for graduate students and UConn-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 on the UConn-AAUP Member Resources Page