AFT STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH CAMPUS PROTESTERS, DEMANDS THEIR RIGHTS TO PROTEST AND FREE SPEECH BE RESPECTED

WHEREAS, as trade unionists, we can never support efforts to repress, intimidate or deploy state-sanctioned violence against those exercising their democratic rights of free speech and who protest, strike or demand justice; and

WHEREAS, the repressive response of certain college and university administrators and local police to these protests is also a labor rights issue. Faculty, student workers and other campus workers—many of whom belong to our unions—are among those who have been arrested and forcibly removed from protests, suspended from their work, and threatened with expulsion, revocation of visas and deportation. Campus staff have been ordered to clear protests led by students, their fellow workers and union members; and

WHEREAS, the hypocrisy of some in our current government—which ignores hate speech from elected leaders and those in power, but then threatens the financial stability of colleges and universities for their work and view points—has only increased protest actions on campus:

RESOLVED, that the AFT expresses its solidarity with those students, faculty and other academic workers across the United States who have faced repressive and violent crackdowns of protests; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT demands that campus administrators cease their campaign of threats, suspensions and expulsions against peaceful protesters and cease using law enforcement agencies to disrupt and attack them. AFT further calls on campus administrations to refuse to assist ICE with unlawful actions on campus or in campus-owned properties. Academic freedom, free speech, the right to assemble and the right to protest are fundamental rights, and they must be respected on campuses and across the country. The time for peace is now; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to ensure college and university campuses are safe and welcoming spaces for students, faculty and other workers and that the fight against hate and hate speech is core to our work and value system.

Adopted May 28, 2025