BU AAUP brings faculty together to address issues affecting academic freedom, shared governance, and university life. Through public statements, educational events, campus organizing, and collaboration with students and colleagues, the chapter works to strengthen faculty participation in decisions affecting Boston University.
Below are highlights of BU AAUP's recent activities, beginning with the most recent.
October 2026
BU AAUP joined the national American Association of University Professors, its Harvard chapter, labor organizations, immigrant-rights groups, and individual applicants in a federal lawsuit challenging changes to the process for obtaining lawful permanent residence.
The lawsuit raises concerns about the effects of these changes on international scholars, workers, and families. BU AAUP's participation reflects the chapter's commitment to protecting members of the university community.
Read more: See the full story and related coverage on our In the Media page.
May 1, 2026
BU AAUP sponsored a May Day campus gathering at Marsh Plaza alongside Concerned Jewish Faculty and the Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program.
The event brought attention to academic freedom, shared governance, support for the LGBTQ+ community, and workers' rights.
The chapter also participated in broader May Day activities alongside labor and community organizations in Boston.
April 8, 2026
BU AAUP continued its series of faculty teach-ins with a discussion titled On the Myth of Institutional Neutrality, featuring Brian Soucek of Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.
The event examined the idea of institutional neutrality and its implications for academic freedom, faculty expression, and the role of universities in public debate.
March-April 2026
BU AAUP responded to Boston University's removal of Pride flags from faculty offices and academic program spaces, raising concerns about academic freedom and restrictions on campus expression.
Chapter copresidents Mary Battenfeld and Joseph Harris challenged the university's actions and called attention to broader concerns about freedom of expression. Following sustained opposition from faculty, students, staff, and alumni, President Melissa Gilliam announced a temporary pause in the removal of outward-facing signs on April 6.
BU AAUP welcomed the pause while emphasizing that broader concerns about campus expression remained unresolved.
Read more: See the full story and related coverage on our In the Media page.
March 23, 2026
BU AAUP Co-President Joseph Harris submitted written testimony to the Boston City Council's Committee on Education during a hearing examining transparency, representation, and freedoms at Boston-area universities.
His testimony addressed concerns about university governance and the importance of meaningful faculty and student participation in institutional decision-making.
Read more: See the testimony and related coverage on our In the Media page.
December 11, 2025
BU AAUP organized a faculty town hall to address concerns about proposed or potential university cuts, graduate education, faculty governance, teaching loads, class sizes, and staffing.
The meeting was intended to provide an opportunity for faculty to share experiences, discuss common concerns, and consider possible responses.
November 2025
BU AAUP joined six other AAUP chapters in supporting an academic event at Boston University School of Social Work addressing antisemitism.
In a November 4 letter, the chapters defended the importance of allowing scholarly discussion and debate, including when the subject matter is controversial.
The November 13 webinar was organized by the School of Social Work, not BU AAUP. The chapter's role was to defend the opportunity for the event to take place.
September 18, 2025
BU AAUP hosted a town hall titled Threats to the University, featuring guest speaker Amanda Fuchs Miller.
The event addressed challenges facing higher education, including academic freedom, federal research funding, and changes affecting university operations.
The chapter also encouraged faculty to participate in a survey about the effects of federal actions on their work and university life.
For news coverage of BU AAUP's work, visit our In the Media page.
For background on issues affecting Boston University faculty, visit our Fast Facts page.