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News from AFT Higher Ed Archive

Current Issue - July 2026

AFT President Randi Weingarten gestures while delivering the State of the Union speech from behind the podium at the AFT's national convention. She is wearing a white suit and standing in front of a backdrop of photos of union members.

AFT president: Fight for freedom, opportunity and justice

In her State of the Union address, AFT President Randi Weingarten called the entire union to action at the national convention on July 16, telling participants that in a time when billionaires are wielding unprecedented power in politics, they are lacking the one thing that has consistently catalyzed change: the power of the people. She delivered a powerful message: “We will change the trajectory of this nation and secure a better future for all.”

James Davis speaks about higher education at the AFT convention.

Higher ed in focus in the 2026 midterms

At the AFT's 2026 convention, the Higher Education Committee spoke about the AFT/AAUP's "A Blueprint for Strengthening and Transforming Higher Education" and the importance of making higher education a key issue in the 2026 midterms.

Two speakers sit on a stage, talking about organizing to protect academic freedom.

Practicing hope in higher education

During the Higher Education breakfast at the AFT's convention, Dominique J. Baker, an associate professor of education and public policy at the University of Delaware and a member of the UD chapter of the American Association of University Professors, had an inspiring conversation with AFT-Wisconsin President Jon Shelton about the Trump administration's attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion and academic freedom in higher education and how union members can fight back.

Four panelists speak about organizing to protect higher education.

The fight for higher education

There was a packed house at the AFT Higher Education divisional meeting during the 2026 national convention, where delegates discussed what’s at stake in the midterm elections and how members can organize on their campuses.

A group of protestors stand together holding a signs that reads "Censored University".

Fighting academic censorship in Texas

The American Association of University Professors and Texas AAUP-AFT are suing the Texas Tech University System, claiming its policies restrict professors from using course material about race, gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity that isn’t aligned with the administration’s preferences.

A graduation cap and a sign that reads "DEBT" sits on a pile of money.Documenting spiking student loan bills

The One Big Bill campaign is an effort supported by the AFT and several other organizations to document the stories of millions of Americans struggling with skyrocketing student loan debt and other harmful financial fallout caused by President Trump’s Big Ugly Bill.

 

 

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