Resolution in Support of Mutual Academic Defense Compacts

At the April 21, 2025 Faculty Senate Meeting Bidisha Biswas, Faculty Legislative Representative, presented a draft resolution to establish and support mutual academic defense compacts in support of academic freedom, free expression, institutional integrity, and the research enterprise. 

A motion by Bidisha Biswas, and seconded, to include the draft resolution as an action item at the May 5 Senate meeting passed unanimously.

On May 5, 2025, the Senate considered the resolution as an action item. The Faculty Legislative Representative said that she has spoken to counterparts in Washington and Oregon, who have expressed a lot of interest in today’s Senate action. In addition, she reported that U-MA Amherst and Rutgers are also interested. During discussion, several Senators spoke in support of the proposal and others raised questions about the next steps, possible funding obligations, and downsides to passing the resolution. The FLR stated that the faculty would not control any resources provided to the compact and that would be an Administration decision. would like Administration to consider President Randhawa said that he will bring it up with the Council of Presidents at the next meeting.

On May 5, 2025, the Faculty Senate considered a motion to approve a resolution to establish and support mutual academic defense compacts. 

The resolution was approved by a vote of 27 yes, two no, one abstain. Download the signed resolution using this link.