AFT

In a Friday morning session on democracy, belonging and power, delegates to the AFT’s convention turned their attention to one of the biggest questions facing us: What are we going to do to protect our democracy?

Thousands of AFT members are coming together to get out the vote and help ensure November’s elections are free and fair. The stakes could not be higher.

Defending democracy is crucial in our fight for a better life In a Friday morning session on democracy, belonging and power, delegates to the AFT’s convention turned their attention to one of the biggest questions facing us: What are we going to do to protect our democracy? Thousands of AFT members are coming together to get out the vote and help ensure Nove...

Why have government employees been such a target of authoritarian regimes? Because, Skye Perryman says, “History shows us that movements that want to curtail democracy target public employees and the civilian public employee workforce.” The goal is to unravel quality of government services—and thus public trust in and support for democratic government.

A report on legal battles against Trump’s authoritarianism At the AFT Public Employees Jim McGarvey breakfast, progressive litigator Skye Perryman explained why authoritarian regimes like President Trump’s target public employees—and why the courts offer cause for hope.

Great conversation between Dominique J. Baker, associate professor of education and public policy at the University of Delaware and member of the University of Delaware American Association of University Professors and AFT-Wisconsin President Jon Shelton at the AFT Convention higher education breakfast this morning.

According to Baker, it’s essential to identify those on campus who have become more interested in collective action as academic freedom has come under attack.

We need to educate them and give them concrete things to do, like submitting public comments on proposed federal rules about research funding.

And we need to build coalitions with student groups, other unions and our communities.

Baker challenged attendees to join her in the work of undoing the damage to higher education, no matter how long it takes.

Read more:

The practice of hope in higher education Attendees at the Higher Education breakfast were treated to an inspiring conversation with Dominique J. Baker, associate professor of education and public policy at the University of Delaware and member of the University of Delaware AAUP. Baker spoke with AFT-Wisconsin President Jon Shelton about th...