As the United States continues to grapple with issues of immigration, academic freedom, and workers’ rights, graduate student-workers at the University of Michigan and Columbia University are taking a stand against the recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the rise of McCarthyist attacks on academic freedom. These students, who are also members of their respective unions, are fighting back against these threats and standing in solidarity with their fellow workers and marginalized communities.

At the University of Michigan, the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) represents over 2,000 graduate student-workers who play a vital role in the university’s teaching, research, and administrative work. Amidst the recent ICE abductions and FBI raids, the GEO has been at the forefront of the fight to protect its members and their families. In an interview with one of the union’s members, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, they shared how the GEO has been actively working to provide resources and support for immigrant and international student-workers.

“Our union has been extremely vocal and visible in our opposition to ICE’s actions,” the member stated. “We have organized rallies, protests, and informational sessions to educate our members and the wider community about the rights of immigrant workers and how to protect themselves. We have also established a rapid response network to provide immediate support to any of our members who may be targeted by ICE.”

The GEO has also been working closely with other campus organizations, such as the Latinx Alliance for Graduate Equity (LAGE), to demand that the university administration take concrete actions to protect its immigrant and international students. These efforts have resulted in the university issuing a statement of support for its international students and implementing a protocol for responding to ICE raids on campus.

Similarly, at Columbia University, the Graduate Workers of Columbia (GWC-UAW Local 2110) has been actively fighting back against the recent rise of McCarthyist attacks on academic freedom. In an interview with a member of the union, they shared how the GWC has been working to protect its members from intimidation and harassment by the administration and outside groups.

“Our union has been at the forefront of the fight to protect academic freedom on our campus,” the member stated. “We have been organizing teach-ins, panel discussions, and other events to educate our members and the wider community about the history of McCarthyism and how to resist it. We have also been working to strengthen our union contract to include protections for academic freedom and secure a fair grievance process for any violations.”

The GWC has also been working with other unions and organizations, such as the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), to push for stronger policies and protections against McCarthyist attacks. These efforts have resulted in the university administration issuing a statement reaffirming its commitment to academic freedom and the GWC successfully negotiating for stronger protections in their union contract.

Despite the challenges and threats faced by these graduate student-workers, their unions have remained resilient and united in their fight for justice and solidarity. In addition to their efforts to protect their members, these unions have also been actively involved in broader social justice movements, such as the fight for a living wage, affordable healthcare, and racial and gender equity.

“We believe that as graduate student-workers, we have a responsibility to not only fight for our own rights, but also stand in solidarity with other workers and marginalized communities,” the anonymous member of the GEO stated. “Our union has been actively involved in campaigns for a living wage, affordable healthcare, and other issues that impact our members and the wider community. We understand that our struggles are interconnected and we must work together to create a more just and equitable society.”

The graduate student-workers at the University of Michigan and Columbia University are a shining example of the power of collective action and solidarity. Despite facing threats and attacks, they have remained steadfast in their fight for justice and have shown that when workers come together, they can make a real difference. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, let us look to these unions and their members as a source of inspiration and hope for a better future.