AFT-W VP of Higher Education Jon Shelton has sent a letter to Reps. David Murphy and Dianne Hesselbein opposing A.B. 413. The October 7, 2021 letter reads in part: "this bill would not only do the opposite of what it proposes to do—prevent stereotyping based on race and gender—but it would also threaten the promise of academic freedom and the pursuit of truth that has made our system of public higher education one of the best in the nation." Reps. Murphy and Hesselbein are respectively the chair and ranking delegate of the Assembly's Committee on Colleges and Universities.

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In a September 17, 2021 letter to the Assembly Education Committee, AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas testified against Assembly Bill 562. "The bill would encourage parents to opt their children out of gender identity and sexual orientation programs in our public schools," she argued. "Any legislation that discourages open conversation and the inclusion and well-being of all students is dangerous."

Read the letter in full here. 
 

UWGB-United hosted their first Back to School event for faculty and staff, where new hires could ask candid questions they may have been hesitant to raise at the official university orientation. Members shared their knowledge regarding having tough conversations in the classroom, why they are a proud union member, and much more!

For Immediate Release: 
Thursday, August 5, 2021

Madison, WI – AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas responded to the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka as follows:

“Today we lost a great labor leader who inspired working-class Americans everywhere. We send condolences to Richard Trumka's family and friends, and to our nation-wide union family. He led with his heart and beliefs. From his days as a coal miner to his time as President of the AFL-CIO, Trumka's leadership strengthened the national and international workers’ justice movement immeasurably. We mourn this loss, but take pride in

For Immediate Release: 
Monday, July 26, 2021

Madison, WI – Today Governor Evers announced a special session of the state legislature to discuss support for public education. AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas responded as follows:

“For years now, in opinion polls, listening sessions, referendums, and elections, Wisconsin voters have called for our students to get the educational support they need to thrive in their lives and careers. The Republican budget passed earlier this month neither invested in students nor created a vision for the state’s future.

We applaud Governor Evers’ principled and