AAUP, AFT, Labor Leaders Support University of Michigan Professor Derek Peterson
AAUP • • nation
Key Points:
- The AAUP and AFT defend Professor Derek Peterson's academic freedom and condemn the political pressure and public intimidation he faces after his remarks at the University of Michigan commencement ceremony.
- They emphasize that Peterson's comments are protected faculty speech, reflecting the university's commitment to inquiry, ethical reflection, and engagement with justice issues.
- The organizations criticize calls from political figures to investigate or discipline Peterson as threats to academic freedom and warn such actions lead to self-censorship among faculty.
- The AAUP and AFT express concern over the University of Michigan administration's response, urging the institution to defend Peterson's right to free expression and reject external political interference.
- They call on the university to ensure Peterson faces no discipline, reaffirm academic freedom principles, and support faculty members' rights to speak without fear of retaliation.
