Hello, UMPSA members!
Our union is only as strong as the people who show up.
For years, we have fought for our students, our professions, our campuses, and the importance of public higher education. But today, the threats we face are not just local—they are systemic. We are seeing a coordinated effort to dismantle the foundations of public education, silence diverse voices, and undermine the democratic rights of our communities.
Being a union member is about more than paying dues; it is about being activated. It is about understanding that when we stand alone, we are ignored, but when we act together, we are a force that cannot be dismissed.
We are currently calling on every member to lend their voice to five critical actions. These aren’t just “political” issues—they are issues of professional survival and student safety.
I am asking you to take five minutes today to click these links and make your voice heard:
- Fund Our Future (UMS Early College): Closer to home, we need to secure the resources our early college students deserve. We are requesting increased funding for the UMS Early College Program to ensure our students have a head start on their higher education goals, and we must be provided with adequate state funding to properly support them.
- Protect the Department of Education: There are current attempts to dismantle or move Department of Education programs that would cause chaos in our schools and strip away vital federal oversight. We cannot let the administration destroy the agency that ensures equity in education.
- Student and Community Safety: Our schools and universities must be sanctuaries. We are demanding that ICE be held accountable and that we prioritize the safety of our students and their families over aggressive and harmful enforcement tactics.
- Stop Federal Book Bans: The freedom to read is a fundamental right. Congress has no place deciding what stories our students can and cannot access. We must stand against censorship and the erasure of diverse histories.
- Stop Voter Suppression: Our democracy is the bedrock of our advocacy. When our neighbors and students’ families are barred from the ballot box, our collective power is diminished. We must protect the right to vote for all.
Engagement isn’t a one-time event; it is a habit. When you sign these petitions and send these emails, you aren’t just sending a message to a politician—your action helps the entire collective- UMPSA, MEA, NEA members.
Together, we can win!
In Solidarity,
Sara
Sara Abronze
Statewide UMPSA President
Chair, Membership Committee