OU’s action ignoring the will of the majority of their faculty threatens to divide the university community at a time when unity is needed to push back on state and federal attacks on the academic and financial independence of universities and colleges. “SB 1 was an attack on students, faculty, staff, and even the administration of our public universities. The only way we’re going to protect academic freedom and maintain high quality instruction is to unite as a community. That’s why it’s especially sad and insulting that the university is refusing to recognize our union win and bargain with us in good faith. Their appeal won’t be successful, but it will sow division, waste time and money, and harm our ability to withstand unprecedented threats from the state.” – Matthew deTar, United Academics of Ohio University - UAOU member and Associate Professor in OU's School of Communication Studies. (fb)

OU needs to respect the overwhelming majority of their faculty AND the State Employment Relations Board's finding that the election was fair and valid. (fb)