United Academic Workers hosts 'know your rights' training
By: Princess Tatsi
University of Maryland professors transformed their office hours into a "know your rights" training session on March 6.
During the training session, faculty, students and community members were informed of their legal rights in interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to Jade Olson, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Communications at UMD.
Those educators, including Olson, are active members of the United Academics of Maryland, a union affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers. AFT is the second largest teacher union in America, according to its website.
Since its rebrand last October, UAM has worked to gain recognition and collective bargaining rights within the University System of Maryland, according to Olson.
Olson said that in recent weeks, several of her colleagues expressed feeling vulnerable and uneasy about unionization due to their visa status on campus.
"What I would say to those folks is we have your back, we're going to fight for you and your rights. When you feel safe to join us, we will welcome you with open arms," Olson said.
These training sessions are a part of UAM’s broader commitment to support vulnerable campus community members, she said.
During the training sessions, participants also learned about UAM's ongoing efforts for collective bargaining, budget transparency and improved compensation.
Ariana Nash, a UAM member and lecturer in UMD's English department, said that the union will continue to focus on organized events and protests — such as the “know your rights” training — to empower vulnerable members of the campus community.
“The particular priority we have going forward is continuing legislative effort. I’m still hopeful the bill might pass this year, which will mean our huge priority will be getting the union formed in the next year or two,” Nash said.