From Bethany Letiecq
President, VA-AAUP State Conference

This spring, we have witnessed many challenges. 

Pro-Palestinian protests and police violence on our campuses. Administration declarations of program cuts and faculty lay-offs. Governor interference in curriculum. Board overreach. Anti-DEI moves. Violations of Faculty Handbooks, academic freedom, shared governance commitments. And more. 

But we have also witnessed incredible and courageous faculty organizing and action taking, like UVA-AAUP President and VA-AAUP Exec member Walt Heineke featured in this NYTs piece. Among other writings, the VA-AAUP Conference put out a statement on the protests (attached). Many other AAUP chapters also responded and continue to respond to on-going issues and campus crises across the Commonwealth. (Please share your actions with us so we can amplify your efforts!)

With all that is happening and surely coming down the pike, the VA-AAUP wants to support local chapter organizing as much as we can. Below are a few opportunities that may be of interest to you and your colleagues (i.e., future AAUP members):

1. For Chapters Sending Delegates to the AAUP Biennial Mtg: We have funds set aside to help defray Delegate travel costs. If you are sending a Delegate, please let me know. If you plan on attending, let me know that too as we’d like to organize a meet up at the Biennial Mtg to say hello.

2. Summer Institute Travel Fund: We have travel funds to support up to 5 members who plan to attend the AAUP Summer Institute. If considering, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/jNRN95jvnMYFp1Qf9 (For those who already filled out the request for support, I will follow up shortly. Apologies for the delay!)

3. Chapter Development Grants: The VA-AAUP has Chapter Development Grants (by application; grants for: hosting receptions, speakers, or other recruiting events; may also be used to fund  expenses for 1 or 2  members of a chapter to attend at the spring conference meeting). If interested in learning more, send me an email! 

4.  Stern-Greet Funds for Justice: We have funds set aside to support initial legal consults for AAUP members. Just ask for more details.

In addition, we will be inviting nominations for members interested in serving on the VA-AAUP Executive Committee. Stay tuned for that call and consider joining us to increase our power and impact!

We have been writing letters to administrations, pushing statements on social media, connecting chapters to legal and other resources, and can do more with more people power. We are all in this struggle together. Please stay in touch with us and let us know how we can support you and amplify your organizing efforts. 

In Solidarity,

Bethany Letiecq
President, VA-AAUP State Conference
VP, GMU-AAUP