The Executive Committee of the United Faculty of Florida-State College of Florida (UFF-SCF) chapter is concerned by the actions of the SCF administration that resulted in the cancellation of the scheduled “Embracing Our Differences” art exhibit on its campus. As educators, we aim to expose students to a world of ideas and for students to develop critical thinking skills and their own opinions.
We stand with, support and defend Florida’s universities and colleges in their efforts to support DEI initiatives and programs, not just because those programs are vital to ensuring broad access to higher education. Real defense of viewpoint diversity means defending the rights of everyone, regardless of their political or ideological beliefs, to live, work, teach and thrive in Florida’s higher education system.
The United Faculty of Florida (UFF) and Florida House Rep. Anna Eskamani stand in solidarity with the people of Iran bravely protesting regime brutality and demanding change. At UFF, we believe all people, including members of the higher education community abroad, deserve the universal rights of freedom of expression, identity, and the ability to engage in thoughtful discourse without fear of harassment, intimidation and violence.
Solidarity Alert: On Tuesday, 11/1, members of the UFF-UF and UF-GAU chapters will be participating in an on-campus protest of Ben Sasse’s impending appointment as university president. Please see the attached flyer for more details. As a note from local leaders, there will be a police presence at this event, and arrests are possible.
The United Faculty of Florida (UFF) questions the legality of nominating U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse as the sole candidate for University of Florida (UF) president. In mid-October, Florida state Sen. Jeff Brandes — who co-sponsored the bill that took Florida’s university and college presidential searches out of the sunshine — stated that UF’s recent search resulting only in Sen. Sasse violated the spirit of the law (source link). At UFF, we believe that it violates the letter of the law as well.
NEA presents the Rosena J. Willis Memorial Award to NEA affiliates that involve NEA members in advocacy for minority students and families, minority parent involvement in schools, and community outreach.
