AFT Convention Says Voucher Schemes as Bad for Higher Education as for K-12
Union Passes Resolution Opposing Privatization Efforts in Public Colleges and Universities

Washington, D.C. — The American Federation of Teachers, which represents more college and university faculty than any other union, approved at its biennial convention a resolution sharply criticizing the recent development of privatization schemes for public higher education.

The resolution, which becomes AFT policy, condemns the Colorado Legislature for voting earlier this year to defund public colleges and universities and replace transitional state funding with inadequate student vouchers that can be used at both public and private institutions. A similar measure also was passed in Washington state but was later vetoed by Gov. Gary Locke.

"The proponents of higher education vouchers claim they’re improving access and diversity through these schemes," said AFT vice president William Scheuerman, "but they’re actually doing the opposite. Cutting a slice out of the state higher education budget pie means less funding for financial aid and fewer dollars for operating state institutions of higher learning. Evidence suggests that private institutions receiving these vouchers raise tuition knowing the increase will be offset by state funds. This is a lose-lose proposition both for students and for public institutions of higher education."

The AFT is concerned that this form of privatization will become more popular as student populations continue to increase at a time when state budgets for higher education remain tight. The AFT resolution also cautions that states such as Colorado that have enacted so-called "taypayer bill of rights" view higher education vouchers as a method to skirt restrictions on tax or tuition increases.

The AFT is urging its local affiliates to fight these privatization efforts by forming coalitions with other education and labor organizations.

"Opposition to K-12 vouchers has always been a litmus test for this union in endorsing candidates. After today, we will also be holding candidates accountable for their position on vouchers for college and university students," Scheuerman said.

The AFT counts 150,000 college and university faculty and professional staff among its membership.

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