The VCU we deserve
VCU Adjuncts announce major action on Monday 4/26 at 2:30 pm, citing President Rao’s inaction, & describing sustainable positions as part of high quality education
Richmond, VA — VCUarts Adjuncts Organizing for Fair Pay was successful three years ago in winning pay increases. However, the increases they won still leave most VCU adjuncts below the poverty line, and now it’s time to make that right. They point out that ensuring these jobs pay a living wage isn’t simply important to them — it’s consequential in the quality of education provided for the student.
“I love my students. I care deeply about the quality of education we’re able to provide for them. It’s simply not possible to be as responsive to their needs, when I’m forced to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet.” says Tom Burkett, one of the organization’s founders. With this in mind, VCUarts Adjuncts Organizing for Fair Pay made the decision to expand outside of the Arts department and become an organization for all Adjuncts.
Rose Szabo joined AOFP once it opened to all adjuncts, citing overlap between student and faculty concerns, “Many of my adjunct colleagues were once VCU students. The graduating students of 2021 may very well find themselves working for VCU. We want to give students the opportunity to learn with dignity, and when they graduate, to feel confident that they will be treated with respect and dignity in their future workplaces as well. We cannot model that for them if we do not stand up for ourselves.”
AOFP anticipates a high turnout from across the university. “I’m going to be there on April 26th, because I support adjunct professors and because I know what happens to them today could happen to me tomorrow,” says Lorena Castro, a VCU graduate student and worker who is active on campus.
AOFP’s efforts have also caught the attention of one of Virginia’s progressive champions Delegate and Lt. Gov candidate, Sam Rasoul, “When Adjuncts stand up and advocate for just working conditions at a public university like VCU, they’re not just fighting for themselves, they’re building a better tomorrow for their students. The people in power ought to listen. Together, we’ll make sure we do. I’ll be there on April 26th.”
“April 26th is going to be big!” says Szabo. “We have clarity about what we’re fighting for — a just future for our students, a high quality public higher education institution that serves the community, and adjunct positions that are sustainable jobs. When we organize, we win.”
To reach out to the organizers of this event, contact vcu.aofp@gmail.com. You can also follow us on Twitter.