UNITED UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONS
2008 Winter Delegate Assembly
Highlights and Resolutions

The 2008 Winter Delegate Assembly of United University Professions was called to order by Acting President Fred Floss at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2008 in the King Street Ballroom of the Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY.

In pre-plenary activities:

• Academic Delegates heard Ann Hoffman and Boris Kolba of the National Writers Union.

• Professional Delegates discussed professional issues such as overtime, FLSA, promotions and titles.

In the Friday evening Plenary Session, Delegates heard the report of Acting President Fred Floss.

• Delegates adopted a Resolution of Appreciation to Paul Zarembka.

Whereas, the UUP Constitution, Article II, states as its purpose “The purpose of this organization shall be…to advance democracy in education; to promote the principle of unity and collective bargaining in higher education; and to defend the civil, professional, and human rights of those it represents;” and

Whereas, democracy within the union is best served by the free and open exchange of ideas, principles, and opinions; and

Whereas, the use of information technology, such as listservs, expedites such open and free communications; and

Whereas, Paul Zarembka, Buffalo Center Chapter’s Grievance chair for Academics has established such a leadership listserv, the UUP-DA-LIST; and

Whereas, Paul has taken great efforts in time and energy to moderate the list; and

Whereas, Paul has been scrupulous in keeping his personal opinions very separate from his role as moderator; and

Whereas, the UUP-DA-LIST has been very active, popular and successful in discussing a variety of issues of concern among the leadership; therefore be it

Resolved, that the 2008 Winter UUP Delegate Assembly expresses its gratitude and thanks to Paul Zarembka for such exemplary service to the UUP at large.

At the Friday night Delegate Assembly Dinner:

• Delegates honored the 2008 Friend of SUNY Award winners, Senator Catharine Young and Assemblyman Peter Rivera.

• Delegates were addressed by Dr. Pedro Cabán, SUNY Vice Provost for Diversity and Educational Equity.

Following dinner, Delegates attended the Candidates Forum.

At the Saturday Plenary:

• Delegates elected Phillip H. Smith (UMU) President.

• Delegates urged Vice President for Academics Fred Floss to serve the remainder of his term.

• Delegates heard the reports of the Acting Vice President for Academics Kallio, Vice President for Professionals Marino, Secretary Landy, Treasurer Blackman-Stroud and Membership Development Officer Quinn.

• Delegates took the following actions:

o Adopted a Resolution.

Whereas, Union democracy is so important to our whole society that Congress legislated democratic rights including a “union member’s bill of rights” so members could criticize the status quo in their organizations and of the officials who run them; and

Whereas, the United University Professions and its affiliates have embraced and adopted those rights; and

Whereas, the NYSUT Director of Field staff, Peter Martineau, has been accused of infringing on those rights by directly approaching SUNY management about the establishment and use of a listserv for discussion of UUP issues without in any way approaching the organizer of the listserv or the campus UUP office to explain his concerns; be it

Resolved, that the Executive Board of the UUP investigate this action by Mr. Martineau, in consultation with officers of the New York State United Teachers, and report the results of that investigation to the 2008 UUP Spring Delegate Assembly; and be it further

Resolved, that the UUP Executive Board and NYSUT establish organizational safeguards to ensure that the concerned members of UUP and the Chapter leadership be the first point of contact in any and all matters effecting members of UUP.

o Adopted a Resolution from the Labor and Higher Education and Solidarity Committees.

Whereas, the General Union of Oil Employees (GUOE), based in Basra, Iraq, has called for international support of their efforts to protect Iraqi oil resources from U.S. pressure to privatize them; and

Whereas, public sector unions in Iraq are still without any legal protection, continuing unchanged the anti-labor policies of Saddam Hussein; therefore be it

Resolved, that UUP expresses its solidarity with the General Union of Oil Employees (GUOE), based in Basra, Iraq, and Iraqi working people, and joins US Labor Against the War and labor around the world to oppose the privatization of Iraqi oil and other resources under duress of occupation; and be it further

Resolved, that UUP calls for the rapid creation of a legal and political environment that secures a free and independent labor movement with full labor rights in Iraq; and be it further

Resolved, that UUP communicate these demands to our elected representatives, US Labor Against the War, the General Union of Oil Employees, and our affiliates NYSUT, AFT, and AFL-CIO with requests that they also adopt this resolution.

o Adopted a Resolution from the Solidarity Committee on Sweatfree New York.

Whereas, the basic human rights of workers globally are violated in an economic race to the bottom that subordinates human dignity to corporate profit; and

Whereas, New York’s public universities regularly contract with apparel and sports equipment companies engaged in the above mentioned race to the bottom; and

Whereas, despite NYSUT and the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition’s legislative victories establishing ‘responsible bidder’ purchasing options for New York schools and Universities, our universities have by and large failed to take advantage of sweatfree options; and

Whereas, New York elected officials will soon consider legislation that would have New York join the new State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium and would extend sweatfree purchasing provisions to all state apparel contracts, including for police, fire, and other public employee uniforms; and

Whereas, electing to purchase from ‘sweatfree’ providers counters the race to the bottom and can create dramatic positive changes with respect to working conditions in the apparel and sports equipment industries worldwide; be it

Resolved, this UUP Delegate Assembly calls on the state’s university purchasing officers to implement the intent of New York’s sweatfree legislation by seeking to contract with responsible, sweatfree vendors; and be it further

Resolved, this Assembly Urges UUP delegates, UUP members, UUP chapters and the NYSUT Political Action Committee to lobby for the extension of sweatfree provisions to cover all state apparel contracts and for New York to join the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium, and we ask UUP to require its vendors to use sweatfree products for give-aways.

o Adopted a Resolution from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity and the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee on Commitment to and Funding for the SUNY Office of Diversity and Educational Equity.

Whereas, the partnership of UUP, NYSUT, the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, the University Faculty Senate, and SUNY is committed to increase the quality and nature of diversity and equity in SUNY; and

Whereas, this partnership resulted in the development of a plan for the creation of an Office of Diversity and Educational Quality and the hiring on 15 July 2007 of Dr. Pedro Cabán as Vice Provost for Diversity and Educational Equity by the SUNY Board of Trustees; and

Whereas, Governor Spitzer’s Executive Budget allocated only an additional $200,000, for a total annual budget of $500,000, from the state budget to support the Office of Diversity and Educational Equity; and

Whereas, SUNY’s Office for Diversity and Educational Equity should be funded in a manner that enables this initiative to begin to fully address the diversity and educational needs of all New Yorkers; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Winter Delegate Assembly direct the President of United University Professions to urge the members of the New York State Assembly and Senate to pass legislation reflecting UUP’s proposal that this section of the Executive Budget be increased by $4.5 million for the Office of Diversity and Educational Equity; and be it further

Resolved, that the Winter Delegate Assembly direct the President of United University Professions to urge the Governor to sign the aforementioned legislation, which will enable SUNY to begin the critical work of meeting its system-wide diversity and educational equity goals; and be it further

Resolved, that the Winter Delegate Assembly direct the President of United University Professions to submit a copy of this resolution to Governor Spitzer; Senator Bruno; Assemblyman Silver; Senator LaValle; Assemblywoman Glick; and members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus; the Higher Education Committee; the Legislative Women's Caucus; the Task Force on New Americans; the Task Force on People with Disabilities; the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force; and the Task Force on Women's Issues, reflecting UUP’s concern for and commitment to the Office for Diversity and Educational Equity.

o Adopted a Resolution from the Committee on Active Retired Membership.

Whereas, an estimated 30,000 or more seniors are victims of some sort of abuse or exploitation; and

Whereas, instances of substance abuse, financial stress, emotional stress, lack of social and other community supports, inadequate training for caregivers, increased medical and emotional needs of the elder person and a family history of violence constitute risk of senior victimization; and

Whereas, New York State as a whole is not prepared to safeguard seniors from harm or to address these multifaceted needs of victimization; and

Whereas, neglect is the most common form of abuse with financial exploitation occurring with equal frequency; and

Whereas, elderly abuse by family members occurs in approximately half of the cases reported; and

Whereas, this abuse is often not reported by the victim due to fear, guilt and shame, and what is often the case, the victim is dependent upon the perpetrator who threatens the elderly with institutionalization, if she/he is reported to the police; and

Whereas, elderly victims suffer from a high rate of social and physical isolation thereby limiting their access to communicate such problems with anyone other than their caregivers; therefore be it

Resolved, that it is incumbent upon United University Professions along with NYSUT, AFT, the Alliance for Retired Americans and other appropriate organizations to coordinate their social service networks with Adult Protective Services (APS) and thereby assist in potential investigation, and intervention in the growing number and complexity of elder abuse cases. In sum, UUP should use their leadership and vital community linkages in addressing abuse and exploitation in the elderly population including retired academics and professionals.

o Adopted a Resolution from the Buffalo Center Chapter in Support of Professor Steven Kurtz.

Whereas, Dr. Steven Kurtz is a Professor of Visual Studies at SUNY Buffalo and a founding member, with his late wife, Hope, of the internationally-acclaimed art and theater collective Critical Art Ensemble, which works within educational and art contexts to raise awareness of a range of social issues, biotechnology and the many issues surrounding it;

Whereas, In participatory theater events, CAE publicly and legally perform basic scientific processes to explain and demystify them, helping audiences obtain a clearer understanding of the issues surrounding aspects of the biotech revolution like genetically modified agriculture, advanced reproductive technologies and bio-warfare;

Whereas, In May 2004, the Joint Terrorism Task Force detained artist and SUNY Buffalo Professor Steve Kurtz of Critical Art Ensemble as a suspected “bioterrorist,” seizing documents, computers, and equipment used in four of CAE’s projects, including materials for a project that was to have been part of an exhibition and performance at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and three other projects that had been safely displayed in museums and galleries throughout Europe and North America with absolutely no risk to the public;

Whereas, The Public Health Commissioner and the FBI's own field and laboratory tests concluded that these materials did not pose any health or safety threat to people or the environment;

Whereas, After a costly investigation, the Department of Justice (DoJ) instead brought charges of “wire fraud” and “mail fraud” against Dr. Kurtz and his colleague Dr. Ferrell, Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh, punishable under the USA PATRIOT Act by up to 20 years in prison, and continues to expend vast sums of public money on this outrageous prosecution;

Whereas, The DoJ is now claiming that Dr. Ferrell used his contract through the University of Pittsburgh to purchase the samples from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), which he then gave to Dr. Kurtz for use in one of art CAE’s projects, thereby "defrauding" the University and ATCC, and which, if true, this would constitute a minor contract discrepancy concerning $256 of harmless commonly available science materials, to be settled between the parties involved;

Whereas, Neither the University of Pittsburgh, nor ATCC, nor any state authorities, have brought any complaint against Ferrell or Kurtz and scientists frequently share materials in this manner because such academic collaboration is necessary for research;

Whereas, The DoJ is going far outside its own guidelines in an attempt to make this into a federal "crime" (the DoJ publishes a Criminal Resource Handbook available online in which it states a general "Prosecution Policy Relating to Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud" as follows: "Prosecutions of fraud ordinarily should not be undertaken if the scheme employed consists of some isolated transactions between individuals, involving minor loss to the victims, in which case the parties should be left to settle their differences by civil or criminal litigation in the state courts”);

Whereas, The case has drawn international attention because its threat to the right to freedom of speech and academic freedom; so much so that the editors of the pre-eminent British science journal Nature have called on scientists to support Dr. Kurtz and Dr. Ferrell, and innumerable other academics, artists, and concerned citizens worldwide have gone on record to respond to this outrageous case, passing resolutions and letters of support, and organizing fundraisers for Drs. Kurtz and Ferrell;

Whereas, This case indeed has profound implications for constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of speech, expression, and inquiry, and seriously compromises independent scientific research in which artists and academics must have the right to openly and honestly contribute to vital public discussion about the actions of their government; and

Whereas, This case threatens to erode the boundary between civil and criminal law and to intimidate and criminalize those who would legitimately and legally criticize government policy, while the DoJ’s radical interpretation of mail fraud law would maximize the department’s power for selective prosecution, and enable it to bring felony charges punishable by up to 20 years in prison for any minor discrepancy in a civil contract involving the mail or internet; therefore be it

Resolved, That the UUP insists that all charges and legal proceedings against Dr. Steven Kurtz be immediately dropped; and be it further

Resolved, That the UUP President engage that office in such a way which would aid the dropping of charges against Dr. Steven Kurtz, including but not limited to Prosecutor’s Office at the Department of Justice in Buffalo, New York State’s Congressional representatives, the American Association of University Professors, the SUNY Faculty Senate, and the UUP publication The Voice.

 

The 2008 Winter Delegate Assembly adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008.

UNITED UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONS
2007 Fall Delegate Assembly
Highlights and Resolutions

The 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly of United University Professions was called to order by President William E. Scheuerman at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2007 in the Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo, NY.

In pre-plenary activities:

• Academic Delegates heard Larry Gold of the American Federation of Teachers discuss Academic Freedom.
• Professional Delegates discussed professional issues such as overtime, FLSA, promotions and titles.

In the Friday evening Plenary Session, Delegates heard the report of President Scheuerman.

At the Friday night Delegate Assembly Dinner:

• Delegates honored the Active Retiree Award winner, Judy Wishnia (Stony Brook).
• Delegates honored three winners of the Nina Mitchell Award for Distinguished Service and long-time UUP activists Greg Auleta (Oswego), Al Ermanovics (Buffalo Center) and Bob Reganse (Farmingdale).
• Delegates adopted by Acclamation a Resolution of Appreciation for David Kreh (Cortland).

Resolution of Appreciation for David H. Kreh’s Service to the UUP Elections
and Credentials Committee
Whereas, David H. Kreh has served as the Chair of the United University Professions Standing Committee on Elections and Credentials for 25 years; and,
Whereas, in that capacity David H. Kreh has provided guidance and assistance to four elected Secretaries of UUP; and,
Whereas, during his tenure as Chair of Elections and Credentials, the constitutional provisions, policies, and procedures covering internal UUP chapter and statewide elections as well as external NYSUT and AFT affiliate elections, have been standardized and codified into concise language that meet all the requisite ethical and legal provisions of the federal requirements for union elections known as Landrum-Griffin procedures; and,
Whereas, David H. Kreh is so well respected for his knowledge of  election requirements and procedures that he has not only served on the New York State United Teachers Credentials Committee for countless affiliate conventions, but also sat with NYSUT legal counsel to review contested seating of delegates; and,
Whereas, David H. Kreh has invested his considerable intelligence, skill, and knowledge as well as his heart and his labor in making the UUP elections as fair and equitable as possible to enable the maximum number of eligible voters to participate in the political process; and,
Whereas, David H. Kreh used his formidable leadership and interpersonal skills to guide the large and hardworking Elections and Credentials Committee through the past 25 years; and
Whereas, David H. Kreh also served to organize and carry out registration processes at UUP Delegate Assemblies and our affiliate conventions, both NYSUT and AFT, throughout his years of service; and
Whereas, David H. Kreh has commanded the respect of his UUP, NYSUT, and AFT colleagues for his strong ethical and moral principles, his fairness, and his ability to resolve election issues with a minimum of conflict and confrontation; and
Whereas, David H. Kreh has brought integrity and impartiality to all of his work for UUP; therefore be it
Resolved, that the United University Professions 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly, on behalf of all its members, commends and extends its profound gratitude to David H. Kreh for his excellent and extensive service as Chair of the UUP Elections & Credentials Committee; and be it further
Resolved, that the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly recognizes David H. Kreh’s dedication to the principle of enfranchising every union member; and be it further
Resolved, that the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly applauds David H. Kreh’s commitment to and guardianship of open and democratic elections; and be it further
Resolved, that the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly affirms UUP’s commitment to maintain and further the high standards and principled procedures that are the legacy of David H. Kreh’s tenure as Chair of the Elections and Credentials Committee.

• Three outstanding students received 2007 UUP Scholarships:  Elizabeth Gray (Albany), Selena Hill (Old Westbury) and Allison Rent (Oswego).

At the Saturday Plenary, Delegates heard a Negotiations Briefing from Vice President for Academics and Chief Negotiator Fred Floss and heard reports from Vice President for Professionals Marino, Secretary Landy, Treasurer Blackman-Stroud and Membership Development Officer Quinn.  Delegates took the following actions:

• Adopted by Acclamation a Resolution of Appreciation for Tom Kriger.

A Resolution for Thomas J. Kriger Expressing Appreciation for His Service to UUP
Whereas, Tom Kriger has served as UUP’s director of legislation and research with honor, dignity and good humor for nine years; and
Whereas, thanks in large measure to Tom’s leadership and political action skills, UUP has become the most successful advocate for SUNY, and is now a major force in New York state’s political circles; and
Whereas, Tom has taken UUP’s advocacy program to the next level; and
Whereas, Tom has been a lifelong advocate of organized labor; and
Whereas, Tom’s long-standing relationship with UUP President William Scheuerman, that began 30 years ago when Tom was one of his students at SUNY Oswego and culminated with Tom serving as assistant to the president, has led to numerous accomplishments benefiting all UUP members — both academics and professionals; and
Whereas, his record of accomplishments achieving a series of legislative initiatives on behalf of all UUP members reflects his deep commitment and dedication to public higher education; and
Whereas, Tom’s guidance to his colleagues was an invaluable asset to the union; and
Whereas, Tom has brought to his colleagues a genuine appreciation of the environment through his love of the great outdoors; and
Whereas, despite Tom’s best efforts, the fish population remains abundant in upstate New York’s waterways; and
Whereas, Tom enriched the fortunes of Lipton through his dedicated morning ritual of a cup of tea; therefore be it
Resolved, that the UUP Delegate Assembly, officers and staff express their appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Tom Kriger upon his departure and wish him the very best in the future with the hope that his new career fits him to a “tea.”

• Adopted a Resolution Supporting Employee Free Choice Act from the Solidarity and Labor and Higher Education Committees.

Whereas, American workers face unfair obstacles to their efforts to form unions; and
Whereas, this situation can be alleviated only through active organizing, political action, and progressive legislation; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP enthusiastically supports passage of the federal Employee Free Choice Act and urges our Congressional representatives to work for its passage; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP shall communicate this support to its affiliates, related central labor councils, and the national AFL-CIO.

• Adopted a Resolution Supporting USLAW Activities from the Solidarity and Labor and Higher Education Committees.

Whereas, UUP is a charter member of US Labor Against the War; and
Whereas, the war and occupation in Iraq continue to demand the broadest possible popular opposition; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP reaffirms its membership in US Labor Against the War; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP endorses the Iraq Moratorium and encourages all UUP chapters to devise anti-war activities appropriate to local conditions on the third Friday of every month, beginning October 19, 2007, in connection with the Iraq Moratorium, and be it further
Resolved, that UUP joins with other unions to endorse the October 27 regional demonstrations planned throughout the country and mobilize UUP members to join the USLAW contingent at the New York City march that day, carrying our union’s banners.

• Adopted a Resolution on Faculty Governance at RPI from the Academic Delegates.

Whereas, Faculty governance is the bedrock on which higher education in
the United States is founded; and
Whereas, Provost Robert Palazzo and President Shirley Ann Jackson of RPI
have suspended the faculty senate at RPI after an election of faculty senate
leadership critical of the president; and
Whereas, The RPI Board of Trustees has taken the extraordinary step of
interfering in the composition and the running of the RPI faculty senate after the
faculty had clearly spoken; and
Whereas, An attack on faculty governance at RPI is an attack on governance at
all institutions of higher education; be it
Resolved, That United University Professions go on record as strongly opposing
the actions of the RPI President, Provost and Board of Trustees with respect to
their disbanding of the RPI faculty senate; and be it further
Resolved, That United University Professions demand the immediate
reinstatement of the duly elected faculty senate with all of its rights and powers;
and be it further
Resolved, That this Delegate Assembly request the President of UUP to convey
UUP’s outrage at this attack on academic freedom and governance to the
appropriate parties. 
  

• Adopted by Acclamation a Resolution from the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee expressing UUP’s Continuing Support for the Effort to Further the Principle of Gender Equity.

Whereas, United University Professions has a long and laudable history of support for pay equity in the workplace; and
Whereas, United University Professions is committed to gender equity; and
Whereas, as reported in the September 26, 2007 edition of Newsday, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  filed a class-action sex discrimination lawsuit in federal court on September 25 against Adelphi University, alleging the university pays its full-time female professors less than male professors of similar status doing the same work,  and
Whereas, this lawsuit was sparked by a pay disparity complaint filed with the EEOC in 2005 by Judith H. Cohen, a tenured professor of education at Adelphi; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Delegate Assembly ask President Bill Scheuerman to write to Professor Cohen; Deborah Cooperstein, the president of Adelphi University’s 300-member chapter of the American Association of University Professiors; the national headquarters of AAUP; the Offices of the EEOC; the American Association of University Women; and Mr. Louis Graziano, the trial attorney for the EEOC;  and further be it
      Resolved, that in this communication President Scheuerman express UUP’s continuing support for the effort to further the critically important principle of gender equity.

• Adopted a Resolution Commending the Work of President Scheuerman, UUP Leadership and NYSUT to protect Upstate Medical Center from the Health Science Centers Concerns Committee.

Whereas, SUNY directly administers teaching hospitals at Brooklyn, Stony Brook, and Syracuse. These institutions are at the heart of the University’s Health Service Centers, and are fully integrated, both programmatically and financially, with the medical schools;
Whereas, all three serve large numbers of uninsured and under-insured patients, and are essential components of the health care systems in their respective communities;
Whereas, unfortunately, for many years, these public institutions have been subject of the harmful attempts to privatize them. Most recently the Berger Commission – recommendation to privatize Upstate Medical Center and to study the feasibility of implementing the same fate for Brooklyn and Stony Brook; and be it further
Resolved, that the Health Science Concerns Committee would like to ask this body to acknowledge, recognize and commend the tireless efforts of William Scheuerman, President of UUP and the UUP leadership along with the support of NYSUT to protect and save Upstate Medical Center from the Berger Commission; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP should continue to monitor and advocate for the heart of the University’s Health Science Centers, SUNY Teaching Hospitals at Syracuse, Brooklyn and Stony Brook. 

• Adopted a Resolution of Solidarity and in Support of Civil Rights for the People of Burma from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, the religious and civil rights of the people of Burma are being brutally suppressed and crushed by the military cabal that rules Myanmar; and
Whereas, at least nine people including the Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai have been murdered by troops commanded by members of the Myanmar military junta; and
Whereas, Myanmar military forces have shot, beaten and murdered Buddhist monks and imprisoned them within their monasteries, and
Whereas, countless governments have condemned this brutal suppression of the people of Burma; therefore be it
Resolved, that the membership of United University Professions rises in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Burma, and be it further
Resolved, that the membership of the United University Professions condemns the acts of censorship and restrictions on intellectual freedom by restricting common citizens access to information networks Internet; and be it further
Resolved, that the President of the University Professions send a copy of this resolution accompanied by a letter of condemnation that expresses our solidarity and concern for our Burmese brothers and sisters to the Myanmar ambassador to the United States.

• Adopted a Resolution in Support of the Jena Six from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, This September we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine.  The courage of  Melba Patillo Beals, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Minnijean Brown Trickey and Thelma Mothershed Wair in facing the hostility of a mob that refused to recognize their right to a desegregated education.  It was a time in which all Americans were forced to recognize that segregated and less than equal opportunities to education existed for African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans; and
Whereas, Today we find far too often that remnants of those sordid conditions still exist in the United States, and
Whereas, Last September a group of African Americans chose to sit under the “white tree” at their putatively integrated high school in Jena, Louisiana.  The result is that the next day three nooses were hung from the tree.  This act was designed to create a hostile environment for African American students by placing a symbol of racial violence on the school grounds; and
Whereas, The community of Jena, Louisiana was rocked by a series of violence including an arson attack on the school property along with several assaults on African-American students in which the white offenders were never charged with a crime; and
Whereas, In December, this situation precipitated a situation in which white students taunted an African-American student who had been assaulted over the weekend and a fight broke out in the school during which one of the white students was assaulted and treated in the hospital but able to appear at a social function that night; and
Whereas, Six African-American students were immediately arrested, charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, expelled from school with charges which could bring them 20-100 years in prison; and
Whereas, In June an all-white jury convicted the first defendant Mychal Bell of “lesser” charges of aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery in a trial where the prosecutor called only white witnesses, some of whom said they did not see anything and Bell’s public defender called no witnesses and offered no evidence; and
Whereas, This frightening example of racism calls to mind an earlier time in the United States in which “strange fruit” was found throughout the South with the  “lynching” of African-Americans and Hispanic Americans was common practice; and
Whereas, Part of the reason these practices were brought to an end was the courage demonstrated by courageous Americans who stood up in their own defense and received support from others around the country; and
Whereas, The young men charged with these crimes and their families have been eloquent in their own defense and calling for justice; and
Whereas, New Yorkers such as Gerit Smith and other abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass have given us a proud tradition of standing with communities around the globe and within the United States who are facing threats with the awareness that prejudice and oppression can happen anywhere there is not vigilance; now therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2007 UUP Fall Delegate Assembly voices its consternation at the practices of the legal system in Jena where all-white juries and an unbalanced judicial process unfairly serves the African-American community and fails to hold accountable those in the white community who are responsible for behaviors of verbal intimidation and physical assaults; and be it further
Resolved, That the United University Professions goes on record in support of the young men and their families in Jena in their pursuit of justice; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of United University Professions hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the families of the “Jena Six,” J. Reed Walters, District Attorney of LaSalle Parish and Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco on behalf of the members of our union.

• Adopted a Resolution for Additional Funding for the SUNY Office for Diversity and Educational Equity from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, Last year a unique partnership was forged among the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, UUP and former Chancellor Ryan to proactively increase the quality and nature of SUNY’s diversity and equity efforts; and
Whereas, This partnership resulted in the development of a plan for the creation of an Office of Diversity and Educational Quality and the hiring on 15 July 2007 of Dr. Pedro Cabán as Vice Provost for Diversity and Educational Equity by the SUNY Board of Trustees; and
Whereas, Former Chancellor John Ryan stated after Dr. Pedro Cabán was appointed “As New York’s population becomes increasingly diverse, SUNY must ensure that an affordable, attainable higher education is available for all its citizens;” and,
Whereas, SUNY only received $300,000 in funding from the state budget to create the Office of Diversity and Educational Equity; and
Whereas, The initial proposal for SUNY to modestly begin meeting its diversity and equity needs was fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Office for Diversity and Educational Equity should be funded in a manner that enables this initiative to fully address the diversity and educational needs of all protected classes including Gay and disabled New Yorkers; and be it further
Resolved, That this funding should be a minimal addition of fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) to the State University of New York budget base budget along with yearly on-going increases to fully meet the needs of New Yorkers served by this office; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of the United University Professions is hereby requested to forward a copy of this resolution to Governor Spitzer, Senator Bruno, Assemblyman Silver, Senator Lavalle, Assemblywoman Glick and members of: Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus; Higher Education Committee; Legislative Women's Caucus; Task Force on New Americans; Task Force on People with Disabilities; Puerto Rican/Hispanic Taskforce and Task Force on Women's Issues.

• Adopted a Resolution  Requesting Recognition and Remembrance of Hispanic and Native American contributions to the Second World War by PBS from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, In September PBS stations throughout the United States are currently broadcasting a documentary series “The War” which purports to give the story of the “Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four American towns;” and
Whereas, The series which runs concurrently with Hispanic Heritage month initially excluded any mention of the countless numbers of Latino and Native American veterans, both mean and women, who served with distinction in the Second World War until intense pressure was put on Ken Burns; and
Whereas, Ken Burns’ other PBS series offerings such as “Baseball,” “Jazz,” and “The Civil War” have consistently effaced and ignored Latino and Native American contributions to the United States; and
Whereas, Approximately one quarter to three quarter of a million Hispanic men and women served in the military during the Second World War; and
Whereas, Thirteen Hispanics were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their service in the Second World War: Lucian Adams Staff Sergeant, 30th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army born in Port Arthur Texas; Rudolph B. Davila, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company H, 7th Infantry, United States Army born in El Paso, TX.  Marcario Garcia Staff Sergeant, Company B, 22d Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army born in Villa de Castano, Mexico; Harold Gonsalves, Private First Class, 4th Battalion, 15th Marines, 6th Marine Division, United States Marine Corps Reserve, born in Alameda, California; David M. Gonzales, Private First Class, Company A, 127th Infantry, 32 Infantry Division, United States Army, born in Pacoima, California; Silvestre S. Herrera, Private First Class, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, United States Army, born in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico and is the only living person authorized to wear the Medal of Honor and Mexico's equivalent "Premier Merito Militar" (Order of Military Merit);  Jose M. Lopez, Sergeant, 2d Infantry Division, United States Army, born in Mission, Texas; Joe P. Martinez, Private, Company K, 32d Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, United States Army, born Taos, New Mexico; Manuel Perez Jr., Private First Class, Company A 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division, United States Army, born Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Cleto L. Rodriguez, WTechnical, Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Division, United States Army, born San Marcos, Texas; Alejandro R. Ruiz, Private First Class, 165th Infantry, 27th Infantry Division, United States Army, born Loving, New Mexico; Jose F. Valdez, Private First Class, Company B, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army, born Governador, New Mexico; and Ysmael R. Villegas, Staff Sergeant, Company F, 127th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division, United States Army, born Casa Blanca, California;  and
Whereas, Ken Burns deliberately excluded Latinos and Native Americans from the onset of the making of his documentary by stating that “the film ‘will celebrate American diversity’ and that it will be about the ‘diversity of wartime America . . . African-American, Japanese American and white;” and
Whereas, Ken Burns has issued dismissive and disrespectful statements to the press suggesting that arguments regarding the inclusion of Latinos are not grounded in historical accuracy but rather in political correctness; and
Whereas, One of the cities chosen by Ken Burns is Sacramento, California which had a significant Hispanic presence during the Second World War only highlights his track record of erasing and denying that Hispanics have participated or contributed to American history; and
Whereas, The issue of respect for historical accuracy has been blatantly ignored in “The War,” for example, episode four covers the horrific battle for Saipan without even a passing reference to Hispanic war veteran Guy Gabaldon’s heroic front line service which resulted in the capture of one thousand Japanese military personnel and civilians; and
Whereas, Public utterances by PBS and Ken Burns have suggested that the exclusion of Latinos has been a terrible misunderstanding and that the issue has been resolved is both inaccurate and an incomplete characterization of the situation; and
Whereas, United University Professions is committed to the need for inclusion and historical accuracy; be it  
Resolved, That United University Professions proudly joins in solidarity with the American GI Forum, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Defend the Honor, Hispanic Leadership Agenda, National Council of La Raza, the US Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project, League of United Latin America Citizens, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, National Institute for Latino Policy, National Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Afro-Latino Project at Queens College (CUNY), Latino Literacy Now, and APITO Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico requesting that Hispanic and Native American contribution to the Second World War is recognized and remembered by PBS; and be it further
Resolved, That the United University Professions in solidarity with living and dead Hispanic men and women war veterans and their families calls upon PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, as well as WETA-TV’s CEO and president, Sharon Percy Rockefeller to: institute policies, guidelines and measures to ensure that wholesale exclusion of the Hispanics and Native Americans does not occur again in all of their ongoing and future programming; that such programming includes educational programming and activities that renders a true portrait of the contributions of Hispanics and Native Americans, and that this body recommends that Ken Burns, PBS and WETA supplement “The War” website to include educational programming and activities that integrate Hispanic and Native American contributions to the Second World War; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of United University Professions is hereby requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the American GI Forum, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Defend the Honor, Hispanic Leadership Agenda, National Council of La Raza, the US Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project, League of United Latin America Citizens, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, National Institute for Latino Policy, National Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Afro-Latino Project at Queens College (CUNY), Latino Literacy Now, and APITO Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico.

• Adopted by Acclamation a Resolution of Appreciation: A Tribute to David Kreh submitted by the Plattsburgh Chapter.

Whereas, David Kreh, Librarian from the Cortland Chapter and campus has served United University Professions with energy, commitment, loyalty and above all, unimpeachable integrity since the founding moments of UUP, and;
Whereas, David’s work on behalf of librarians in SUNY and his pivotal role in the formation of the SUNY Librarians Association has served the state, the union, campuses and libraries extraordinarily well over the last three decades, and;
Whereas, David’s approach to the management and operation of the union’s processes related to elections and credentials has been so impeccably thoughtful that UUP’s reputation for unimpeachable elections and the integrity of the process has been a model for our state and national affiliates as well as all chapters, and;
Whereas, David was instrumental in assisting the Plattsburgh chapter in implementing a serious and very influential referendum on our campus leadership.  His advice on how to conduct not only the vote so that it was secure and unimpeachable and how to conduct ourselves in order to maintain objectivity were absolutely invaluable to the reputation of the chapter and to the resolution of significant problems at the campus, and;
Whereas, over the last several years, David’s organization of and clear interpersonal skills have built a large and high-functioning cadre of members from all regions and most chapters.  These members and delegates gave willingly of their time to ensure the efficient and reliable conduct of the registration of and voting by delegates at the Delegate Assemblies and affiliate conventions.  This large, active committee afforded real involvement in the union, and;
Whereas, David has always been available as an asset and consultant for chapter Bylaws revisions and directly affected the creation of the office of PT officer as well as accommodating idiosyncrasies and needs of specific chapters in the preparation of chapter bylaws and votes for ratification, and;
Whereas, we are well aware of the interest in clarifying the role of retirees in the operations of the business and politics of UUP, we would be remiss in not recognizing the legacy of hard-work, steadfast integrity and devotion to the membership of UUP in providing for open, democratic elections as well as registration for delegates at our assemblies, and;
Whereas, some of us have teased David about his basso profoundo and snorted at the tedium of counts and recounts, all of us have benefited from the sense of security that when David and his committee said it was done, we were confident it was well done; therefore, be it
Resolved, that even though he would think there have been way too many notes, they are well deserved, and on behalf of the members of UUP, we say to David Kreh, simply, our thanks and
BRAVO!!

• Adopted the recommendations of the Executive Board on Position Statements due to sunset.

The 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

UNITED UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONS
2007 Spring Delegate Assembly Highlights and Resolutions

The 2007 Spring Delegate Assembly of United University Professions was called to order by President William E. Scheuerman at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2007 in the King Street Ballroom of The Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY.

In pre-plenary activities:

• Academic Delegates heard from Laura Rhoads (Potsdam), Chair of the Task Force on Recruiting Academics.
• Professional Delegates held a general discussion on Professional Issues.

In the Friday evening Plenary Session, Delegates heard the reports of President Scheuerman, Treasurer Blackman-Stroud, Vice President for Academics Floss, Vice President for Professionals Marino and Secretary Landy.  Delegates approved the 2007-2008 UUP Budget.

Delegates adopted a Resolution of Condolences to Virginia Technical University.
Whereas, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a great public university that has served the people of Virginia and this nation since 1872; and
Whereas, the Virginia Tech community has suffered a grievous loss of students and teachers, of family and friends in a horrific attack that defies explanation; and
Whereas, we remember the heroic response of many individuals, and especially a colleague who sacrificed himself for the well being of his students; and
Whereas, we as members of the public higher education community mourn the loss of these innocents and deeply regret the consequent loss of a sense of peace and confidence that defines academe; therefore be it
Resolved, that the 2007 Spring Delegate Assembly of UUP conveys our prayers, our solidarity, our friendship, and our heartfelt compassion to the entire Virginia Tech community as all of us in higher education seek to recover our optimism and hope for the future.

At the Friday night Delegate Assembly dinner:

• Raymond D. Strother, President of the political consulting firm of Strother-Duffy-Strother, addressed Delegates on the 2008 elections and the decline of civility in politics.
• UUP Journalism Awards were given in the following categories:

General Excellence:
Best in Class (I) 
System Administration, System: UUP  Editor: Anne Siddall

Best in Class (II) 
Stony Brook, Insight Co-editors: Dawn Svoboda-Pappas and Diane Rodriguez

Award of Merit 
Farmingdale, Unifier Editor, Yolanda Pauze

Honorable Mention 
Cortland, The Cortland Cause Editor, Alex Reid 

Best Feature Story:
Best in Class
Stony Brook, Sarah Battaglia, UUP Marches for Freedom and Justice

Award of Merit
Oneonta, William Simons, Leadership On and Off the Court

Best Editorial or Column:
Best in Class
Stony Brook, Judith Wishnia, Grandma’s Advice to the Young

Award of Merit 
Farmingdale, Michael Smiles, It’s Just a Matter of Your Priorities

Honorable Mention
Donald Masterson, Oswego, Let’s Not Get Burned by FIRE’s Rhetoric

Best Art or Photo:
Best in Class
Stony Brook, Insight, March for Freedom photos

Award of Merit 
Cortland, The Cortland Cause, Picnic photos, Dawn Van Hall

Best Web Site:
Best in Class
Purchase, www.uuphost.org/puchase, William Lundmark, webmaster

Honorable Mention
Upstate Medical University, www.uupinfosyr.org, Dan Dippel, webmaster

After dinner, Delegates participated in the Candidates Forum.

At the Saturday Plenary, Delegates elected:

• William Scheuerman, President
• Eileen Landy, Secretary
• Ed Quinn, Membership Development Officer
• Executive Board Academics:

Weston Kennison (Geneseo)
Glenn McNitt  (New Paltz)
Laura Rhoads (Potsdam)
Mike Smiles (Farmingdale)
Ezra Zubrow (Buffalo Center)

• Executive Board Professionals:

Caroline Bailey (ESF)
Edison Bond (Brooklyn HSC)
Darryl Wood (Binghamton)

Delegates adopted a Constitutional Amendment to change the name of the Legislation Committee to the UUP Outreach Committee.
To amend Article X, Section 1. Paragraph 1, line 900 and line 935 as follows:

Lines 899 to 903:
The Standing Committees of this organization shall be the Committees on Negotiations, [Legislation] UUP Outreach, Membership, Finance, Grievance, Elections and Credentials, Affirmative Action, Active Retired Membership, Part-Time Concerns, Solidarity, and Women’s Rights and Concerns.

Lines 935 to 940:
The [Legislation] UUP Outreach Committee shall prepare proposals for consideration by the Executive Board as legislative aims of the organization, shall carry out such other functions as may be assigned to it by the President or the Executive Board, and shall report to the President, the Executive Board, and the Delegate Assembly.

Delegates took the following actions:

1. Adopted a Resolution of Appreciation for departing Executive Board Members Harvey Axlerod, Patty Bentley, Candy Merbler and Bob Rees.

Whereas, Patty Bentley has served on the Executive Board since 1999; and
Whereas, Bob Rees has served on the Executive Board since 2003, and
Whereas, Harvey Axlerod served his most recent term on the Executive Board from 2005-2007; and
Whereas, Candy Merbler served on the Executive Board from 2005-2007; and
Whereas, during their service neither Patty nor Candy nor Harvey were ever shy about voicing their opinions or articulating their positions; and
Whereas, Bob was more reticent about voicing his opinion but no less articulate about his positions; and
Whereas, all four, when expressing their views, always kept the best interests of the UUP membership in the forefront; and
Whereas, Patty Bentley, Bob Rees, Candy Merbler and Harvey Axlerod will not be continuing their service on the Executive Board after today’s elections; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Delegate Assembly recognize and thank each of them for their years of distinguished service to UUP as members of the Executive Board.

2. Adopted a Resolution from the Affirmative Action Committee to establish an annual statewide UUP Affirmative Action Workshop.

Be it;
Resolved, that the Delegate Assembly support the establishment of an annual UUP Statewide Affirmative Action Workshop, beginning in calendar year 2008, so that members of chapter Affirmative Action committees and other interested members may be apprised of and trained in the role of and implementation of affirmative action in the University.

3. Adopted a joint Resolution from the Solidarity and Labor and Higher Education Committees in support of justice for workers at Smithfield Packing, Inc.

Whereas, the Smithfield Packing plant in Tar Heel NC is the largest pork processor in the world, employing more than 5,000 workers slaughtering more than 32,000 hogs a day; and
Whereas, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union is involved in a bitter fourteen-year long struggle to organize the workers in this facility; and
Whereas, Smithfield Packing, Inc. has twice been found by the NLRB to have violated worker rights in two earlier union recognition campaigns; and
Whereas, the workers in Tar Heel are now engaged in a third effort to organize for collective bargaining representation with the UFCW and need all the support they can get from working people everywhere to overcome management resistance; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP supports justice for workers at Smithfield Packing, Inc. in their efforts to organize themselves into a union; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP will supply UUP chapters with materials to inform and educate our members about the working conditions at Smithfield and ways to be informed consumers to avoid products made at Tar Heel (see <www.smithfieldjustice.com>), and encourage our chapters and members to be proactive in the pursuit of justice for Smithfield workers; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP President Bill Scheuerman will contact Smithfield Foods, the parent company, and request that management in Tar Heel stop all forms of abuse, intimidation, and violence against its workers and respect the rights of their workers at Tar Heel to a safe place to work with dignity and respect and the protection of a union contract; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP communicate this resolution to its affiliates at NYSUT and AFT with a request that these affiliates take appropriate action to support the Smithfield workers.

4. Adopted a Resolution from the Solidarity Committee supported by the Executive Board recommending UUP not serve Coca-Cola products at its statewide events.

Whereas, more than 3,000 trade unionists have been assassinated in Colombia since 1990; and
Whereas, the Coca-Cola Company and its Colombian bottlers are being sued in the United States under the Alien Claims Tort Act for having "contracted with or otherwise directed paramilitary security forces that used extreme violence and murdered, tortured, and unlawfully detained or otherwise silenced trade union leaders.";
Whereas, a fact-finding delegation of labor, educator and student representatives led by New York City Council member Hiram Monserrate and including members of AFT, AFSCME/CSEA and CWA concluded, based on a 10-day trip to Colombia in January of 2004, that Coca-Cola is complicit in human rights abuses in Colombia" and that its "complicity is deepened by its repeated pattern of bringing criminal charges against union activists who have spoken out about the company's collusion with the paramilitaries.";
Whereas, various courts, government agencies and independent studies have confirmed community concerns in India that the Coca-Cola Company is responsible for polluting the groundwater and soil, distributing toxic waste as fertilizer, causing severe water shortages and selling drinks with high levels of pesticides in India;
Whereas, the Coca-Cola Company uses sugar harvested by children in El Salvador who, in the process of harvesting, suffer from smoke inhalation, burns, and cuts from machetes yet are not provided with health care;
Whereas, union activists in Colombia and throughout the world are calling on their union brothers and sisters to boycott Coca-Cola, therefore be it
Resolved, that the UUP Delegate Assembly recommends to the statewide UUP Executive Board that UUP not serve Coca-Cola products at its events, meetings, conferences, and delegate assemblies; and be it further
Resolved, that the UUP Delegate Assembly recommends to the statewide UUP Executive Board that it urge UUP chapters not to serve Coca-Cola products at their events, meetings, and conferences; and be it further
Resolved, that the UUP Delegate Assembly recommends to the statewide UUP Executive Board that it urge UUP chapters to press for the termination of contracts with Coca-Cola on their campuses.

5. Adopted a Resolution from the Solidarity Committee affirming a woman’s right to control her reproductive life.

Whereas, the Supreme Court of the United States in a 5-4 decision upheld a law passed by Congress that would criminalize a specific medical procedure that is employed, when necessary, according to the judgment of the physician, to save the life and protect the health of a pregnant woman; and
Whereas, this decision prevents a woman’s access to a medical procedure that could save her life; and
Whereas, this decision fundamentally undermines a woman’s right to health care and her right to make her own reproductive decisions; and
Whereas this decision ignored a broad consensus of medical opinion in order to promote a politically motivated result; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP supports a woman’s right to control her reproductive life; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP opposes the interference of politicians in medical decisions; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP encourages delegates and members to communicate the union’s position to their federal and state elected officials and urge them to take legislative action to reverse the law that was upheld by this Court decision; and be it further
Resolved, that the UUP president communicate this position to our affiliates NYSUT and AFT.
Be it further recommended that members and delegates take this resolution back to their chapters for appropriate action in support of this position, including passing resolutions and communicating the UUP position to their elected officials statewide.

6. Adopted a Resolution from the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee to hold a Women’s Health Open Hearing at the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly.

Whereas, CLUW liaison asked the Committee to support a Women’s Health Open Hearing to be held at the Fall Delegate Assembly; and
Whereas, the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee is supportive of collaboration with CLUW; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP schedule a Women’s Health Open Hearing at the Fall DA and that Carol Jacobson be invited to speak on women’s health at this open hearing; and be it further

7. Referred to the Executive Board a Resolution from the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee.

Resolved, that UUP purchase T-shirts from CLUW to be worn by members of the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee at the Fall DA showing our support for the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

8. Adopted a Resolution from the Human and Civil Rights Committee in Support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Whereas, Federal labor law specifically provides employees the right to choose union representation;
Whereas, recent decisions of the NLRB and the Supreme Court have greatly diminished the right of private sector employees to choose union representation;
Whereas, the percentage of private sector employees who are represented by unions has dwindled to below 10%;
Whereas, there is a bill currently impending in Congress, the Employee Free Choice Act that would greatly help  to restore the right of private sector employees to be represented by unions.
Whereas, at the Employee Free Choice Act has already been endorsed by the AFL-CIO and many unions in the country; it is hereby
Resolved, that UUP publicly declare support for the Employee Free Choice Act and it is further resolved, that the President of UUP will encourage members of UUP to communicate their support for the Employee Free Choice Act to their Legislators.

9. Adopted a Resolution from the Veterans Affairs Committee that the national anthem be performed at the opening of Delegate Assemblies.

Whereas, we are all members of UUP, the American Federation of Labor, the American Federation of Teachers, AAUP, and the New York State United Teachers; and
Whereas, to recognize, appreciate and honor that sacred right to assemble; be it
Resolved, that the National Anthem be performed at the opening of the Delegate Assemblies.

10. Adopted a Resolution from the Executive Board in support of the Faculty and Professional Staff of Marymount College of Fordham University.

Whereas, the consolidation of Marymount College with Fordham University was announced in 2000 as a benign transition, to have little impact on the terms or conditions of employment for the faculty, who have been organized for 30 years as a unit of AAUP; and
Whereas, the commitment has been violated by the stunning announcement that the faculty’s contract employment is terminated as of May 21, 2007; and
Whereas, Fordham University has made little effort or commitment of employment for the displaced faculty; and
Whereas, this represents the violation and termination of tenure and contractual bargaining; and
Whereas, such termination is untenable and strikes at the heart of faculty rights, attacking the very bedrock of tenure and collective bargaining; therefore be it
Resolved, UUP strongly recommends that President Scheuerman bring the plight of the Marymount College faculty to the attention of AAUP and appropriate accreditation agencies, and request that AAUP demand Fordham rescind its actions; and be it further
Resolved, that the actions of Fordham University be reviewed by Committee A, and that Fordham University be placed on the AAUP list of censured colleges; and be it further
Resolved, that President Scheuerman convey the facts of the attacks on tenure and collective bargaining at Marymount College to the AFT and ask for action on behalf of the Marymount faculty; and be it further
Resolved, that President Scheuerman send a letter of support to the faculty of Marymount College; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP Delegates convey to the Marymount College faculty information on employment possibilities at their campuses and facilitate the application for employment of our colleagues at Marymount College; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP bring a Special Order of Business to the NYSUT RA condemning the outrageous treatment of our colleagues at Marymount College.
                       

11. Referred to the Executive Board a Resolution for all News Media Regarding Coverage of Spree Violence and Similar Tragic Events.

Whereas, the recent tragedy at Virginia Polytechnic and State University has been followed by several smaller incidents for which the Virginia Tech massacre may be seen as a flashpoint;
Whereas, historically, similar spree violence has occurred in waves that may be seen as fads, such as the many school shootings of the Nineties;
Whereas, some media (but not all) have packaged images, video, and audio of the assailant in ways not dissimilar to representations of fictional characters in popular culture, ranging from film to television to graphic novels; and
Whereas, some such representations have given massive though posthumous attention to a disturbed individual and dwarfed coverage of the lives and accomplishments of the innocent victims of this tragedy; and
Whereas, such glorified overage may inspire other disturbed individuals to make their marks upon the world by going out in an erstwhile blaze of glory; and
Whereas, the purpose of freedom of the press, a fundamental principle of our democracy, is to serve the well-being of the American people rather than their destruction; be it
Resolved, that the 2007 Spring Delegate Assembly of United University Professions take a public position in support of the principle that a free press informs and educates but an irresponsible press inflames and exploits and that UUP convey said principle to all relevant media outlets in the hope that future coverage of inevitable tragedies will not be packaged as entertainment.

The 2007 Spring Delegate Assembly adjourned at 1:00 p.m.