The Campus Faculty Association and Local AAUP Chapter to Host Event About Attacks on Higher Education
For Immediate Release — October 9, 2026
The Campus Faculty Association and the local chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will host a panel on the current attacks on Higher Education on Tuesday, October 13, NCSA Auditorium on campus at 1205 W Clark Street, Urbana.
The event will feature Todd Wolfson, national president of AAUP, Stacy Davis Gates President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, Sean McDonald Co-Founder of the Digital Public, Terri Barnes, Professor of History and Gender/Women’s Studies, and Shawn Gilmore Teaching Assistant Professor in English and AAUP Academe Advisory Board member.
“Federal funding cuts, attacks on academic freedom, and major changes to immigration policies that affect students, researchers and faculty have all had dramatic impact on higher education over the past couple of years. These changes require a new approach, and for many of these issues the best solution will be collective action.” said Melissa Ocepek event coordinator.
Stacy Davis Gates was elected President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers in 2025, representing more than 100,000 teachers and education workers across Illinois.
Todd Wolfson is the President of AAUP and an Associate Professor at Rutgers University. The AAUP has more than 40,000 members nationally and is a leader in standing up for academic freedom.
Sean McDonald co-founded Digital Public, which works with governments, non-profits, and community organizations across the globe to develop effective solutions for incorporating digital platforms for collective action.
“I am really excited to have the opportunity to hear from these panelists. Right now, Higher Education—and especially the STEM fields—are facing unprecedented challenges on multiple fronts. If we want the University of Illinois to remain a world class research destination faculty must come together to respond to this moment,” said Kate Clancy, Co-President of CFA.
A light reception will be provided after the panel, and childcare is available.
For more information contact Melissa Ocepek at 920-918-4523.