AAUP Updates

The AAUP, along with the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and other plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit to block Trump’s unlawful and unconstitutional DEI executive orders, which threaten academic freedom and access to higher education for all. The lawsuit argues that Trump's orders exceed his legal authority, are overly vague, and fail to define such terms as “DEI,” “equity,” and “illegal DEIA."

Earlier this week, President Trump’s administration hit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a debilitating freeze to hiring, travel, meetings, and communication. This freeze includes reviewing and approving critical biomedical research on cancer treatment, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other public health concerns.

While administrators and faculty members may have to comply with legislation and court orders, even where these run counter to our values and to professional and constitutional principles, we are free to register our disagreement. Under no circumstances should an institution go further than the law demands.

The AAUP has hired Mia McIver as our new executive director. McIver brings to the AAUP a wealth of experience in organizing faculty members and a record of enacting legal, political, and media strategies that empower all higher education workers. A long-time member of the AAUP, she is committed to supporting staff, AAUP chapters, and state conferences in vigorously promoting the AAUP’s core values of shared governance and academic freedom. McIver will work from both Washington, DC, and Los Angeles in order to strengthen the AAUP from coast to coast.

More than a third of respondents to a survey reported a decline in their academic freedom, while over half expressed concern about teaching "divisive concepts" in recent years following state-level efforts to restrict them. 

The AAUP condemns the reported arrests of two faculty members and three designations of faculty as "persona non grata" at New York University. As the AAUP has maintained since 1940faculty should be free from institutional censorship and discipline when speaking or writing as citizens. 

The AAUP urges the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission not to bend to the political winds by reversing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its standards for accreditation.

AAUP in the News

Wed, 02/05/2025  |  Columbus Dispatch

For all its many flaws, the U.S. system of higher education has become well-known across the world for its reputation of research and teaching without government interference. The cornerstone of such a system is “academic freedom.”  And this is what SB 1 would destroy.

Tue, 02/04/2025  |  Chronicle of Higher Education

“We need our colleges and universities to stand up and fight for their long-held commitments and not fold like deck chairs,” AAUP president, Todd Wolfson, said. If colleges don’t do that now, they “may not be around in four years.”

 “The elimination of DEI programs and initiatives at public academic institutions are a threat to the democratic purposes of higher education as a public good. The AAUP is proud to stand up and defend our campuses and communities from this vague and destructive executive order.”

Mon, 02/03/2025  |  Washington Post

A coalition of professors, diversity officers and restaurant worker advocates filed a federal lawsuit Monday in a bid to block President Donald Trump’s executive orders that target diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the U.S. government, the private sector and academia, alleging that he exceeded his authority in issuing them.

“Higher education is about opening up opportunity, innovation and progress for people across the nation. Yet, these Executive Orders will undermine our ability to do that and will have catastrophic impacts on colleges, universities, and higher education institutions, and all of the students and communities they serve."

Wed, 01/15/2025  |  Associated Press

Sanders’ proposal to fire professors over “indoctrination” drew criticism from civil liberties and faculty groups. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, called it a “grossly hypocritical false narrative.”

“Sanders is doing a disservice to Arkansas students by suggesting she will deny due process for faculty with ideas she disagrees with,” Wolfson said. “Maligning a system that is an engine of innovation and bedrock of our democracy hurts Arkansas students.”

Thu, 01/09/2025  |  Inside Higher Ed

The American Association of University Professors gets it. In a recent statement, the AAUP explained why DEI statements need not conflict with, and often fortify, academic freedom. Albeit less of a focus, the AAUP also surfaced why anti-DEI laws—including DEI statement bans—exact a double toll on academic freedom.

Tue, 01/07/2025  |  American Prospect

With power dangerously centralized, the defense of our institutions now hinges on the moral strength of a few wealthy individuals.

That’s a thin shield. Restoring a balance of power on American campuses would be more effective. As our Founders understood, power diffused in a system of checks and balances helps guarantee democracy. Centralized power, on the other hand, is always susceptible to abuse.

Upcoming Events

February 10, 2025

Our Skills to Win trainings will take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings, on February 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, and 26 from 7–9 p.m. ET / 4–6 p.m. PT. Skills to Win is an organization that helps communities and unions across the country to identify and respond to challenges, while developing greater capacity to make democratic change.

February 11, 2025

The Trump administration and many state governments appear poised to accelerate attacks on academic freedom, shared governance, and higher education as a public good. They will likely attack the curricular authority of the faculty, including the ability to engage in teaching and research on certain topics. Join us in a virtual discussion of this issue, what is going on on your campus, and how we can respond.

February 12, 2025

A workshop for members of bargaining chapters only. Participants will discuss their rights and responsibilities in negotiations, keeping the bargaining team organized, writing and presenting proposals, staying on topic at the table, and creating a bargaining narrative.

E-mail Updates

 

Announcements

For its 2025 volume, the AAUP’s Journal of Academic Freedom invites submissions of scholarly articles that address the impact of large private donations on academic freedom and the educational mission of colleges and universities. Submissions are due by March 5, 2025.

See open positions and learn how to apply.