Category: News

A Resolution Statement from the University of Arkansas Workers Union

The board of UA-Fayetteville Education Association/Local 965 condemns in the strongest possible terms the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision the week of April 11, 2025, to revoke the visas of five of our international graduate students without due process. (NW Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article and alternate link)

Since the founding of the republic, the right to due process has been the cornerstone of the American system of justice. The founders, ever vigilant to the possibility of tyranny, added the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution to protect individuals against the abuses of what they feared could become arbitrary and abusive use of state power: “No person shall be … deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The language cannot be more clear — the amendment’s protections apply to all persons, including the international students, and not just citizens. But the students who have had their visas revoked have not been afforded due process — they haven’t heard the accusations made against them, they haven’t seen the evidence that prompted the government’s action, and they haven’t been given the opportunity to defend themselves in front of a judge.  

In justifying the revocations of more than 300 international student visas on campuses across the nation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted in late March, “I think it’s crazy — I think it’s stupid for any country in the world to welcome people into their country that are going to go to their universities as visitors — they’re visitors — and say I’m going to your universities to start a riot, I’m going to your universities to take over a library and harass people. I don’t care what movement you’re involved in. Why would any country in the world allow people to come and disrupt? We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not become a social activist that tears up our campus.”

This explanation does not make sense as it pertains to the five international students here at the University of Arkansas. Those familiar with the goings on around the UA flagship campus know that no one has taken over the library or harassed people or torn up campus. These sorts of acts are just not happening at the University of Arkansas — nor at many other places where students have had their visas revoked.

If the State and Homeland Security departments believe that a certain international student has committed a crime and wants to revoke their visa, they must follow the Constitution of the United States. The federal government needs to articulate the alleged crime, present evidence to support the charge, give the student the opportunity to present evidence in defense, and have all the evidence heard by an impartial judge. That is the American way.

The resolution was drafted by UA Associate Professor of History Michael C. Pierce, who wrote a corresponding guest column published April 15, 2025, in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “UA Students Deprived of Rights,” (alternate link). Pierce is a member of the Executive Board of Local 965.

Following up on the resolution Rogers station KHBS-TV/KHOG-TV interviewed Professor Pierce in a 2:03 report “University of Arkansas Professor Speaks Out about Revocation of Student Visas” on April 15, 2025.

The website of Fort Smith station KFSM-TV posted “University of Arkansas Workers’ Union Condemns Visa Revocations of International Students” on April 15, 2025.

Analysis cites this resolution and quotes Professor Pierce: “The Trump Administration Comes for U of A Students, and the U of A Stays Silent,” Arkansas Times, April 18,2025.

“2 University of Arkansas Students Regain Visa Status after DHS Termination,” Fayetteville stations KNWA-TV/KFTA-TV, April 25, 2025.

“UA Confirms Five Students’ Visas Restored: Status Terminations Bring Rise in Worries over Deportations,” (alternate link), Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Friday, May 2, 2025

President’s Message

By Hershel R. Hartford, president
UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965, AEA/NEA

As we journey through another academic year, it’s essential to recognize a fundamental truth: The time for organizing is always now. In our rapidly changing educational landscape, where challenges and opportunities present themselves daily, our collective strength as a union is paramount.

Membership and participation in our Local 965, as well as at the state and national levels, are not merely beneficial; they are crucial. Together, we form a powerful coalition that advocates for the needs of our educators and the diverse communities we serve. Here’s why your involvement is vital:

Local Impact

At the local level, our organizing efforts translate directly into improvements in our workplace. By participating in the UA-Fayetteville Education Association, you can help shape policies that affect class sizes, working conditions, wages and our students’ educational experiences. Each voice adds to the collective call for equity and excellence in our schools. Your engagement in meetings, committees and community events makes a significant difference in how effectively we can advocate for ourselves and our students.

Statewide Solidarity

As part of the Arkansas Education Association, we possess the capacity to influence statewide educational policies and funding decisions. Our voices, united, can pave the way for legislative changes that benefit all educators and students. Advocacy at this level ensures that our concerns reach policymakers who hold the keys to better funding, fair pay and comprehensive resources for our classrooms. Your participation in state rallies, lobbying efforts and educational forums can amplify our message and significantly impact our profession across Arkansas.

National Visions

On a national scale, the challenges we face—such as teacher shortages, education funding and workplace rights—are intertwined with broader policies and political climates. Organizations like the National Education Association work to represent our interests on legislative issues across the country. When we stand together, we not only amplify our local and state concerns but also contribute to a larger movement advocating for quality education for all. It’s essential that every member participates in campaigns, advocacy days and national conferences, ensuring our voices resonate beyond our local communities.

Every Voice Matters

In conclusion, organizing is not a task to be undertaken solely during times of crisis. It is an ongoing commitment that requires each of us to engage actively. Whether attending meetings, joining committees, participating in advocacy efforts, or simply sharing your experiences, your involvement is vital.

Remember, when we act together, we can achieve lasting change. Let’s embrace this moment to strengthen our union and, in turn, our profession. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard, our rights are protected and our educational system thrives.

This column was first published in the Local 965 monthly newsletter March 24, 2025.

By Walter Hinojosa, President
Northwest Arkansas Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Under the theme “Addressing Labor’s Troubling Times,” the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council, in collaboration with the 965 Local of the Arkansas Education Association, will hold its third annual Labor Spring Teach-In on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Ziegler Reception Room of the Fayetteville Public Library.

The program is free, and the public is welcome. The schedule below is subject to change.

Labor Spring events are held nationwide, a concept coordinated by the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor of Georgetown University and the Labor & Working-Class History Association.

The purpose, states the initiative, is to bring “together students, workers, unionists, allies, environmentalists, elected leaders and more to support workers’ organizing efforts in a broad range of events, anchored on college campuses and in the community. Each unique event is organized by local committees, crossing institutional silos and ideological divides, and uniting workers and campuses to bolster workplace justice, racial equity, and the public good.”

A teach-in is an informal forum developed in the mid-1960s to educate on a complex contemporary topic.

For more information, contact uarkansas965@gmail.com. Any event changes will be posted here as updates.

A Call to Action from Hershel Hartford, President of UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965

As the president of the UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965, I write to you with a sense of urgency and determination. The landscape of our nation is ever-changing, influenced heavily by the policies and decisions made at both the state and federal levels. As educators, advocates and citizens, we find ourselves at a crossroads where our voices matter more than ever. It is essential that we channel our concerns about current actions detrimental to our communities into peaceful personal resistance.

Peaceful resistance is a nonviolent approach to express dissent, advocate for change and stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized. It is rooted in the belief that change can emerge from a foundation of respect, collaboration and understanding — values that resonate deeply within the educational community. We must find ways to assert our right to voice our beliefs while fostering an environment that promotes dialogue and respect.

1. Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge is a powerful tool for change. To effectively resist, we must understand the policies and actions impacting our communities. Stay informed about federal and state legislation, and engage with credible sources that provide varying perspectives. Share this knowledge with colleagues, students and families. By hosting discussions or workshops, we can create a well-informed community capable of navigating the complexities of current issues.

2. Engage in Community Dialogue

Encouraging open conversations within our communities can foster understanding and solidarity. Arrange forums or community meetings that allow individuals to share their experiences, opinions and knowledge. By listening to diverse viewpoints, we can cultivate empathy and build a unified front in advocating for positive change. Your voice, when combined with others, creates a powerful collective.

3. Advocacy through Representation

Engage with local, state and federal representatives. Write letters, make phone calls or attend town halls to articulate your concerns and advocate for policies that align with our values. Consider forming a coalition with other local organizations to strengthen our impact. When representatives hear from a united, informed constituency, they are more likely to listen and act.

4. Use Social Media Responsibly

In our digital age, social media can be an effective platform for raising awareness and mobilizing support. Share informative content, promote community events and amplify the voices of those impacted by unjust policies. However, be mindful to engage in civil discourse. Our online interactions should seek to educate rather than antagonize, fostering a respectful exchange of ideas.

5. Support Local Initiatives

Support local organizations and movements that align with your values. Participate in peaceful protests, volunteer for causes that matter to you or donate to organizations that work toward social justice, education equity and community support. Your involvement can help amplify the efforts of those working tirelessly for a better future.

6. Model Resilience and Compassion in Education

As educators, we have a unique role to play in inspiring resilience and compassion in our students. Encourage critical thinking, empathy and civic involvement within your classrooms. By equipping our students with the tools to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, we empower the next generation of leaders who will champion positive change.

In these challenging times, it is crucial that we respond with peaceful, personal resistance. Together, as a united front within the UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965, we can inspire change through education, advocacy and community engagement. Let us commit to nurturing an environment where every voice matters and every action counts. In our pursuit of justice and equality, may we find strength in our solidarity, compassion in our resistance and hope in our collective action.

This column was first published as the President’s Message in the February 2025 newsletter of UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965.