AAUP chapters and conferences can and should take action to raise awareness of and fight against political interference in higher education. Depending on your chapter’s capacity, here are some actions you could take.
Set up an info table or distribute or hang materials on campus
Tools and Resources
Editable flyer to personalize with info from your state (Word doc)
Poster to print and hang (pdf) in 8.5x11 size or 11x17 size
FAQs on political interference in higher ed
Submit a letter to the editor or an op-ed in a local news outlet
Tools and Resources
How to Write an op-ed
Adaptable op-ed template (Word doc)
How to write a letter to the editor
Organize a lobbying event in your state
Tools and Resources
General messaging advice
How to conduct a visit to a legislator's office
Lobbying Do's & Dont’s
Recorded webinar on how to do state-level lobbying
Build a Legislative Program
Tools and Resources
Steps to build capacity, review past legislation, and prepare for the next legislative session
Host a group viewing and discussion
Tools and Resources
A recording of our webinar on this topic
Guidebook: Making the Case for Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy in a Challenging Political Environment.