Question 1

Committee A Support on Personal Academic Freedom

Accepted Answer

There are increasing threats to faculty academic freedom. If you aren't sure whether your academic freedom has been violated, you can review this primer from AAUP. Here is the language in the OSU bylaws regarding academic freedom.

If you believe your personal academic freedom has been violated and you would like to request support from AAUP-OSU's Committee A in dealing with it,  please also email committeea@aaup-osu.org.

Question 2

SB1 Interpretation

Accepted Answer

OSU has provided a massive amount of information about SB1 Compliance and Guidance. It can be hard to sort through it all. Helpfully, outside organizations have provided much shorter guides and FAQs on what SB1 requires and does not require.

The Ohio Conference of AAUP has created a toolkit for SB1. The Ohio Conference worked with an attorney to provide this FAQ for Faculty on SB1, which is very useful. The Ohio Education Association (OEA) has also created an SB1 FAQ.

If you observe ways that SB1 is implemented that infringe on academic freedom, freedom of speech, or university shared governance, please let the AAUP-OSU leadership know via our Campus Concern Form.

Question 3

Digital Security & Doxxing

Accepted Answer

In a moment when it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict the consequences of our online speech and choices, it can be important to take steps to protect yourself. Here is a list of steps and strategies to do just that. You might also consider additional advance steps, including building your network, using campus devices mindfully, and considering liability insurance. Doxxing is when private or identifying information about you—such as your home address, phone number, or financial details—is exposed publicly online without your consent. Faculty are increasingly being doxxed and harassed online, especially when they are put on various watch lists. It can be traumatic and stress-inducing. If you are doxxed or being harassed, we first and foremost encourage you to reach out to us using our We Support You email line. You are also welcome to reach out to the chapter president or any other AAUP-OSU board member you feel comfortable with. We can provide a support network of faculty on campus and strategize on ways to take back your power. We can also connect you with Columbus, OSU, and national resources.There are also national-level resources available to you. PEN America has a useful set of steps you can take if you've been doxxed. Faculty First Responders is a group that provides peer-to-peer support. And if you are a dues-paying member, AFT provides Trauma Counseling Programs and Services benefits.If you hear about  OSU faculty being harassed, we encourage you to let the AAUP-OSU leadership know via our Campus Concern Form.

Question 4

Immigration, ICE, & Protecting Students

Accepted Answer

The immigration landscape in the US and in Ohio is changing and precarious. The ACLU provides a helpful guide on Immigrants' Rights, CAIR provides information on your rights when interacting with law enforcement, and the National Immigration Law Center has helpful information if you are arrested or detained. Here in Columbus, Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) provides legal clinics and support as well as the Ohio Immigrant Alliance. Students are also able to utilize Student Legal Services for immigration related issues (but not deportation proceedings), which is run through OSU but staffed by attorneys from an independent nonprofit.

As professors, we also have an obligation to protect our students and other campus stakeholders. We don't expect federal officers to visit classrooms. However, if you see Immigration & Customs Enforcement on campus or they come to your classroom, this practical guide from the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AACU) is useful. You can also post one of these posters on your door to make it clear they are not welcome.

If you see ICE on campus or hear of students being affected, we encourage you to let the AAUP-OSU leadership know via our Campus Concern Form.

Question 5

Rights During Travel

Accepted Answer

If you're planning travel, especially internationally, and you are an immigrant, it is useful to know your rights in case you get questioned or searched. This guide from the Electronic Frontier Foundation can help you prepare. If you use Siri on your phone, this Siri shortcut may also be useful to know about.

Be aware that it is both required and safer to travel with an OSU-provided laptop or tablet, which the university will supply for travel, including conferences, but also any other time you plan to be abroad working.

Question 6

Rights Druing Demonstration / Protest

Accepted Answer

Protest and demonstration are important elements of any social movement. When participating in these activities, everyone should be aware of their rights. The Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR) project at CUNY provides a useful and brief summary of your rights, and a customized version for non-citizens.

Demonstrations on campus are subject to the university's new Space Standards and are likely to be observed by the Campus Activism and Event Engagement Team.

If you are arrested during a protest, you should call the National Lawyers Guild Hotline: 614-654-6477.

If you know of faculty, students, or staff who are arrested or disciplined while expressing their First Amendment right to free speech and assembly, we encourage you to let us at AAUP-OSU know via our Campus Concern Form.

Question 7

AAUP / AFT Benefits for Dues-Paying Members

Accepted Answer

If you are a dues-paying member of AAUP, you are eligible to receive several benefits. AAUP provides benefits that include knowledge, training, and discounts. Visit the national website here to learn more.

You are also eligible for AFT benefits as a member of the AFT/AAUP Local 6741. You can find a list of those benefits on the AFT website here.

Question 8

Legal Resources & Liability Insurance

Accepted Answer

OSU provides some liability coverage for employees who are acting in the scope of their employment through their Commercial Liability Insurance. For those looking for additional coverage, you may want to look into options through AFT/AAUP.

Through AFT, dues-paying members of AAUP are eligible for legal assistance and a supplementary, paid Professional/Occupational Liability Insurance program. To orient yourself, watch this training from AAUP/AFT on the options.

Current dues-paying members qualify for certain types of legal consultation at no additional expense. Through this program, you can receive consultation on divorce, child custody, and employment issues.

As a dues-paying member, you also qualify for a supplementary program at $6 per month that provides insurance if you are accused of injury, a criminal act, denial of constitutional rights, or if assaulted or killed on the job.

Question 9

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academia

Accepted Answer

The OSU AI Fluency Initiative is emphasizing and prioritizing greater use of AI in our classrooms. AAUP has released a report with its stance on AI, how it can be used responsibly, and next steps for campuses.

If you observe ways the new AI Fluency Initiative is infringing on academic freedom or shared governance, please let the AAUP-OSU leadership know via our Campus Concern Form.

Resources

Compiled below is a list of resources available through National AAUP, the Ohio Conference, the AAUP-OSU chapter, and community allies.