Teachers Union Pushes for Greater Faculty Diversity in Higher Education

The American Federation of Teachers has published a new report, Promoting Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Faculty: What Higher Education Unions Can Do.

The report states that while colleges and universities have made significant progress in diversifying their student bodies, progress has been slow in increasing racial diversity in faculty ranks. Among the report’s recommendations for union members at the college level are:

• Establishing a standing diversity committee to build coalitions with other stakeholders, including preK-12 unions, community groups, and the administration.

• Educating the public about the value of affirmative action.

• Creating a more welcoming atmosphere for academic searches and hiring.

• Developing peer mentoring programs and other support in navigating the promotion and tenure process.

Readers can download the report by clicking here.

Copyright © 2010. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.