The United Faculty of Florida calls upon Board of Governors Chancellor Rodrigues to step back and allow the search process at Florida Atlantic University to continue unhindered or to immediately resign from his position.
Earlier today, Gov. DeSantis announced that the state of Florida has filed suit against the Biden administration to overturn the higher education accreditation process, not just in Florida but across the country. This afternoon, UFF put out this PRESS RELEASE, wherein we push back against the false claims made by Gov. DeSantis and his supporters. In this release, we defend the right of all higher education classrooms to be free from undue political influence, and we call out the authoritarian tactics of our state’s elected leaders.
SB 266 is a key example of how Gov. DeSantis and his supporters in the legislature have decided that the state has the right to control and compel viewpoints in higher education classrooms across the state. UFF stands opposed to this fundamental attack upon the freedoms of all Floridians, and we call on all organizations—public and private, whether in education or otherwise—to stand with us.
On Wednesday, March 29, the Florida Board of Governors intends to pass Regulation 10.003 – Post-Tenure Faculty Review, against the wishes of the entire higher education community across Florida and the country. A harm to tenure is a harm to all; UFF implores the public to contact the Board of Governors and tell them not to pass Regulation 10.003. The consequences to Florida’s future are clear, and it is time we all demand more of our elected and appointed leaders, now and into the future.
WATCH: The United Faculty of Florida (UFF) and the Florida Education Association (FEA) Virtual Press Conference from Tuesday, March 7, 2023. This event focused on protecting and preserving Florida’s public education system, PreK through graduate school.
Tuesday, March 7th, is the start of Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session, during which Gov. DeSantis has promised to propose bills that will limit the fundamental freedoms of the Florida’s students, teachers, education staff professionals, and higher education faculty. In response, we are asking all Florida Education Association (FEA) and United Faculty of Florida (UFF) members to participate in a statewide “Public Education Day of Action” to show support for educators and the future of education in our state.
