Transforming Higher Education

Movement Milestones and Victories

We’re working to improve learning and teaching conditions and access to higher education, while standing up to end the trend toward a low-road, corporate-business model for education. More than 50,000 faculty and graduate workers are already united through SEIU Faculty Forward. Every day more educators, students and community members across the country are joining our fight to transform higher education. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together so far.

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Maryland community college workers gather for leadership summit

Maryland community college faculty took the next step in winning a statewide union. Twenty-five adjuncts and full-time faculty from community colleges across the state gathered for the Maryland Leadership Summit at SEIU Local 500 in Rockville, Md. Participants discussed the changes that are needed on their campuses and in their professions, what worker power really looks like, and plans to achieve their collective goals. Worker leaders enjoyed learning about the history of the campaign, the similar and unique needs of their colleagues, and how to have organizing conversations. Many also engaged in the on-site “Story Booth” where they crafted their quotes and took pictures. By the end of the day, worker leaders left informed, inspired and motivated to build the movement on their respective campus.

The summit was energized by the passionate testimonies given by adjuncts during the Senate budget hearings in Annapolis where they urged lawmakers to increase funding for community colleges. Further showing the power and influence adjuncts can have if they unite together for change, next week, adjuncts and full-time faculty will return to Annapolis to show solidarity and attend the Senate budget hearing concerning closing tax loopholes to ensure K-12 education is fully funded. The movement is growing.