Red Emma’s

America faces a critical moment where unprecedented attacks are being directed at higher education: Research funding is being cut, DEI programs and initiatives are being rolled back, trans, immigrant, and international students are facing increased risk from ICE and the abolishment of supports, and pressure is being put on institutions to suppress academic freedom and crack down on educators engaging in critical debate and education. Now more than ever, members of the academic community across all sectors (staff, students, and faculty) need unions and strong organizing efforts to protect academic freedom, their right to dissent and protest, and advocate for higher wages and better working conditions.

Maryland, like many states, is faced with the pressure to become increasingly hostile towards higher education, but whether it follows this path is up to Marylanders. This panel discussion will highlight some current organizing efforts at Maryland colleges and universities, and ask the question: How can we overcome the “divide and conquer” strategy of the state and fight for higher education as a united front?

Join us at 6:30pm for networking and postcarding, and at 7:00pm for a discussion of the following questions:

• What kinds of organizing efforts are currently being undertaken by faculty, staff, and students in Maryland?
• What has been successful about these efforts? What has been challenging?
• What can sector-wide solidarity look like? How can faculty, staff, and students support each other?
• What would the role of higher education be in a general strike?
• What are upcoming legislative and campus campaigns, and how can people get involved?

All supporters of higher education are welcome to attend this event. The Maryland Inter-Institutional Coalition is a solidarity network for students, staff, and faculty of universities and colleges in the Maryland/DC region. We are students, faculty, and workers in higher education organizing for the rights, safety, and academic freedom and the protection of all our students on our range of DMV campus communities.