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UFE STATEMENTFebruary 12, 2025 The Executive Board of the United Faculty of Eastern affirms our support for our students, faculty and the broader Eastern community impacted by recent executive orders regarding immigration enforcement activities. We encourage our faculty to advocate for vulnerable students and to support organizations such as Latinos en Spokane. We condemn the recent executive orders regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the chilling effect such policies have on academic freedom. The UFE asserts its support for the Resolution on Reaffirming the Values of Academic Freedom passed by the Faculty Senate on February 27, 2023. Diversity is who we are: 38% of our students are non-white, 33% are first generation, and 36% receive Pell grants. Equity and inclusion are what we strive for in our teaching, advising, and mentoring to ensure all of our students know they belong and succeed in their academic endeavors. We stand with the American Association of University Professors, and our affiliates: the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT Washington, the National Education Association (NEA), and the Washington Education Association (WEA) in defending our students and our freedoms as educators. We are stronger together! In solidarity, The United Faculty of Eastern Executive Board Michael Conlin - President Rik Orndorff - Vice President for Bargaining Kristin Edquist - Vice President for Labor Management Erin Dorothea Dascher - Vice President for Membership Dale Garraway - Secretary Ielleen Miller - Treasurer Frank Lynch - At-Large Member Beth Torgerson - At-Large Member Hayley Lake - At-Large Member for Special Faculty |