United Faculty of Florida

A federal judge backed two public school unions in a legal battle over dues deductions. Educators say this is good news, but will continue watching for potential challenges to other parts of the sweeping union law.

The Florida A&M and St. Lucie County unions, along with the United Faculty of Florida and two educators, filed a lawsuit last week in Leon County circuit court alleging that the changes made in 2023 and this year violate constitutional collective bargaining rights.

Saying it opposes “any form of academic censorship,” the United Faculty of Florida on Monday objected to a directive issued this month by university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues about reviewing textbooks and other materials for “antisemitic material” or “anti-Israeli” bias.

The law requires professors to undergo more frequent evaluations to earn tenure. That, along with restrictions on topics about race and DEI, are causing some to leave, USF faculty say.

Higher education faculty is one group that's feeling the effects of tougher regulations placed on Florida public sector unions. Their leaders say union protections are more important than ever as state laws target certain freedoms.

The Florida Board of Governors released draft regulations outlining how it would limit spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the state's colleges and universities.

A survey of more than 4,250 faculty across four states, including Florida, highlights the impact of politics on employee tenure and retention.

Faculty unions and a New College of Florida professor who was denied tenure have challenged the constitutionality of a new state law that did away with arbitration in university employment disputes.

The American Historical Association recently issued a statement opposing Florida's HB 999, which they argue would give the state too much power over higher education.

It comes after a number of clashes between the accrediting body and the state over issues like presidential searches, and whether faculty should be allowed to testify as expert witnesses.

Fall leads to an influx of college students into local communities, and some of those students may bring the Coronavirus with them. But Florida universities are trying to prevent that from happening.

Two proposals moving forward in the Florida Legislature would make the process of selecting presidents at public colleges and universities more…