Dozens of members of a union representing tenured and tenure-track faculty at Illinois State University demonstrated at Friday's board of trustees meeting, showing up en masse and dressed in green to highlight members' priorities.
The United Faculty of Illinois State University were recognized by the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board in January after an organizational effort that spanned more than two years.
For the past 12 weeks, the union and the university have been bargaining the group's first contract. On Friday, union members spoke to trustees during public comment, outlining their ongoing priorities of building safety and workplace climate.
Sheryl Henry, an associate professor in the Mennonite College of Nursing, said an improvement in culture within the school is overdue, adding she had been approached by more than 30 other faculty members who described being "treated disrespectfully, ridiculed, subjected to intimidation and thrown under the bus."
"Today, the results of this culture of bullying are widespread. Faculty describe feeling isolated... shamed, anxious," Henry said. "Nursing faculty have a right to work in an atmosphere free from bullying. ... That's why we need a faculty union and a fair contract now."
Mark Zablocki, an associate professor in the College of Education, told trustees faculty have concerns about the way infrastructure projects have been prioritized across campus, leaving some facilities more lacking than others. Zablocki described certain locations as being prone to pooling water in stairwells, water-damaged ceilings and other issues.
"While it is encouraging that ISU is investing in upgrades... more needs to be done to commit to infrastructure-building to create a more fair and equitable conditions for the health and safety of all of our students and faculty," he said.
ISU's trustees did not respond to the union's comments during the meeting, as is customary. A spokesperson said ISU president Aondover Tarhule would not be available for questions after the meeting.
Students supporting Palestinian statehood and a ceasefire in Gaza also spoke at Friday's board meeting, continuing calls for ISU to issue a statement in support of a ceasefire and divestment from companies that have any tie to Israel. A days-long protest on ISU's Quad is expected to disperse by the end of the week as students leave following the semester's conclusion.
Also on Friday, ISU's governing body:
- Tabled a potential vote on a 3.6% increase in mandatory student fees, with board chair Kathy Bohn saying "more information is needed to consider" the proposal. Trustees voted on a 1.9% increase in October.
- Approved a new five-year strategic plan for the university.
- Approved a resolution to sell land that currently is a parking lot at 404 Normal Ave.
- Authorized a spending plan for fiscal year 2025 while the university awaits final appropriations from the state before voting on a budget later this year.
