On 7 May 2024, AFSCME Local 1 endorsed the following statement by our union siblings of the United Faculty and Academic Staff (UFAS) at UW-Madison.  Solidarity!

WHEREAS, on May 1, 2024, Chancellor Mnookin authorized UWPD, Madison PD, Dane County Sheriffs, and Wisconsin State Troopers to forcefully disband a group of students, faculty, and staff peacefully protesting against the mass slaughter of civilians in Gaza; and

WHEREAS, faculty and academic staff of color, including multiple members of United Faculty and Academic Staff (UFAS), AFT Local 223, were disproportionately targeted with violence and detention during this action; and

WHEREAS, the use of armed law enforcement resulted in intimidation, violence, and physical harm of students, faculty, and staff exercising their right to peaceful protest; and

WHEREAS, the administration's decision to deploy police prior to meeting with students contradicted their stated support for peaceful protest and failed to protect the rights of students and university community members to dissent; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that United Faculty and Academic Staff, AFT Local 223:

• Condemns the violent and disproportionate actions taken against peaceful protesters, especially targeting faculty and staff of color; 

• Urges full investigation and accountability for all acts of police violence;

• Demands that the administration listen to and address the demands of student protesters, engage in sincere dialogue with community members expressing dissent, and respect the rights of students and workers to protest safely on campus;

• Commits to providing full support and representation to any faculty or academic staff member at UW-Madison who faces disciplinary action for exercising their right to peaceful protest.

UFAS reaffirms the rights of students, faculty, and staff to peacefully protest and call for changes to the governance of our institution. We stand in solidarity with those targeted by violence and repression, and we will continue to fight for a safe and democratic environment to work, study, and dissent at UW-Madison.