This page provides information about recent changes to the University of California’s “campus climate” policies that may negatively impact our members’ protected rights to picket and protest, their reappointments, their workplace safety and academic freedom. We also provide answers to questions we’re hearing from UC-AFT members about how a Trump administration may impact our working conditions, our campuses, and our classrooms.
BACKGROUND: CA State Legislature Requires “Campus Climate” Policy Changes
This summer, the California State Legislature made $25 million in funding for UC contingent upon it “develop[ing] a systemwide framework to provide for consistency with campus implementation and enforcement” of what it called “campus climate” policies.
As articulated by the new law (SB 108), campus climate policies are supposed to balance two missions: “foster[ing] freedom of expression and the free exchange of ideas”, and “protecting student, staff, and faculty safety and access to educational opportunities.” These include the establishment of “time, place, and manner” limitations on speech and assembly, and policies to “ensure students can safely access buildings and activities on campus.”
The Legislature set a deadline of October 1, 2024 to demonstrate compliance with SB 108.
On August 19, UC President Michael Drake exceeded what the state legislature required when he created a new statewide “framework” for UC campus climate policy. In his statement, President Drake committed all UC campuses to “Clarifying and reinforcing requirements for policies impacting expressive activities, including policies that prohibit camping or encampments, unauthorized structures, restrictions on free movement, masking to conceal identity, and refusing to reveal one’s identity when asked to do so by University personnel.” SB 108 did not require UC schools to ban “encampments”, or punish the refusal to remove masks when asked to do so.
Since August 19, most UC campuses have published their campus climate policies online to comply with SB 108 and President Drake’s statement. In the process, some campuses have also changed their policies without seeking meaningful input from students, faculty or staff.
CURRENTLY: Post-Election Concerns
Leading up to, and now in the wake of the November 5, 2024 election, UC-AFT is prepared to defend the rights of all of its members. AFSCME 3299 and UPTE-CWA are preparing to strike across UC campuses and medical centers in November. Below are answers to questions members have asked, and we will continue to add information as events unfold, and as we have more to share. If you have concerns about your rights, please reach out to your chapter leaders and/or staff.
A: Yes, however U18 teaching faculty must adhere to Article 3 of our collective bargaining agreement, which prohibits“significant intrusion of material unrelated to the course.” We know that UC administrators have previously disciplined U18 lecturers for discussing current political issues in their classrooms – sometimes even in courses in disciplines that include political content. Yet Academic Freedom allows us to make decisions about our courses. You have the right to modify your courses in ways that reflect the circumstances on campus. Activities on our campuses, campus policies that impact us and our students, and stress experienced by students are all legitimate reasons for modifications to a course. These kinds of changes are protected under Academic Freedom.
If you are threatened or disciplined for exercising your right to Academic Freedom and/or Free Speech, contact UC-AFT immediately.
A: No. Our right to engage in union activities, and/or engage in any action or demonstration that does not conflict with our own professional duties and responsibilities is protected under state law. Both AFSCME 3299 and UPTE-CWA are preparing to strike in November. UC-AFT members have the right to show support and solidarity in any way that does not violate the no-strikes language in our collective bargaining agreements.
If you are threatened or disciplined for participating in union activities, contact UC-AFT immediately.
A: If and when UC workers strike at your campus, you are free to join their picket and/or actions while you are not teaching or performing your assigned work. Both AFSCME 3299 and UPTE-CWA are preparing to strike in November. You have both first amendment rights under the Constitution as well as rights under our collective bargaining agreements that protect your freedom of expression and your right to engage in protected union activities. Some actions you can take include:
- coordinating visits to the picket line and/or shows of support with other members of your local chapter
- bringing food to the picket line
- wearing your union t-shirt or buttons in solidarity
- express your support on social media
- not attending or participating in other campus activities (seminars, talks, department meetings, etc.) or otherwise unnecessarily crossing picket lines.
A: This is up to you. As Instructors of Record, Unit 18 faculty have the right to respond to classroom interruptions as they see fit. Depending on the class, the students, and the physical classroom space, how a lecturer may choose to respond might vary. If your own students are disruptive, you may ask them to leave the classroom. In that case, you should document the incident to your department chair or director via email to establish a record of the events. Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to contact other campus support offices (e.g., ombuds, etc.).
If students attack (verbally or physically) you or other students, you should likewise report this incident to your department chair or director via email to establish a record of the events. Depending on the circumstances, you might also consult with and/or report to other campus support offices (e.g., harassment, judicial affairs, etc.).
Your own safety as a UC-AFT worker is protected under our collective bargaining agreement. If you are threatened and/or feel unsafe in your classroom, contact UC-AFT immediately.
This is up to you. As Instructors of Record, Unit 18 faculty have the right to respond to classroom interruptions as they see fit. Depending on the class, the students, and the physical classroom space, how a lecturer may choose to respond might vary. At some campuses where we have seen outside protesters come into classrooms, we’ve heard that faculty have chosen to remain silent or have asked the protesters to leave. You should document the incident to your department chair or director via email to establish a record of events.
Your own safety as a UC-AFT worker is protected under our collective bargaining agreement. If you are threatened and/or feel unsafe in your classroom, contact UC-AFT immediately.
Report and document the incident to your department chair or director. Unfortunately, we have heard from UC-AFT teaching faculty who have been targeted by students for actions and statements they’ve made both in their classrooms and outside of them. Most UC campuses have student codes of conduct that prohibit harassment of any kind, including making threats to instructors. Additionally, Academic Freedom at work, and Constitutionally-protected free speech at work and on your own time should protect your rights to express your ideas without fear of retaliation or threat.
Doxxing has been increasing in recent years, and resources to help support faculty and higher ed workers who experience this particular form of harassment and attack can be found via our partners at Faculty First Responders. Their “Resources for Higher Ed Workers” includes helpful information, including tips for ensuring the protection of our digital identities.
Your own safety as a UC-AFT worker is protected under our collective bargaining agreement. If you are threatened and/or feel unsafe at work, contact UC-AFT immediately.
