In the winter of 2019, Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio, found itself at the center of a significant labor dispute that led to a faculty strike. This marked the first time in the university's history that a faculty strike had occurred, highlighting the complex issues and challenges faced by higher education institutions in the 21st century. This article delves into the intricacies of the Wright State strike of 2019, providing a comprehensive overview of the events, the key players, the issues at stake, and the lasting impacts.
Background and Context
Wright State University, established in 1964, is a public research university that has consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest. However, the university has faced financial struggles in recent years, leading to budget cuts and a contentious relationship between the administration and the faculty. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) had previously censured Wright State in 2017 due to concerns about academic freedom and shared governance, further exacerbating tensions.
The Key Players
The primary actors in the Wright State strike were the Wright State University chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-WSU) and the university's administration, led by President Cheryl B. Schrader. The AAUP-WSU represented the faculty, while Schrader and her administration were responsible for the university's operations and budgetary decisions.
AAUP-WSU
The AAUP-WSU is the collective bargaining agent for Wright State's faculty. Their primary goals during the negotiations were to secure fair compensation, job security, and academic freedom for their members. They sought to address the growing income disparity between administrators and faculty, as well as the increasing reliance on part-time, non-tenured faculty.
University Administration
The university administration, under President Schrader, aimed to address the university's financial struggles through budget cuts and restructuring. They maintained that the proposed changes were necessary to ensure the university's long-term sustainability and to maintain its status as a competitive institution in the region.
Negotiations and the Path to the Strike
Negotiations between the AAUP-WSU and the university administration began in early 2018. The two sides met regularly to discuss a new contract, but disagreements over compensation, job security, and academic freedom proved difficult to resolve. The AAUP-WSU accused the administration of stonewalling negotiations and failing to provide sufficient information about the university's financial situation. Meanwhile, the administration criticized the AAUP-WSU for being unwilling to consider alternative proposals that addressed the university's financial constraints.
In December 2018, the AAUP-WSU overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike if a new contract could not be reached. The vote was a clear indication of the faculty's frustration with the slow progress of negotiations and their determination to secure a fair contract. The university administration, however, remained optimistic that a strike could be avoided and continued to engage in negotiations.
The Strike Begins
On January 22, 2019, after more than a year of negotiations, the AAUP-WSU called for a strike. Approximately 1,400 faculty members walked off the job, leaving the university with significantly reduced teaching and research capabilities. The strike had a profound impact on the university's operations, with many classes canceled and research projects put on hold.
The strike also drew significant attention from the local and national media, as well as from state and national politicians. Supporters of the striking faculty held rallies and protests on campus and in downtown Dayton, while opponents of the strike accused the AAUP-WSU of prioritizing their own interests over those of the students.
Key Issues in the Dispute
At the heart of the Wright State strike were several interconnected issues that highlighted the broader challenges facing higher education in the United States. These issues included:
- Compensation and Benefits: The AAUP-WSU sought fair compensation for their members, arguing that Wright State faculty were underpaid compared to their peers at other institutions. The administration, however, maintained that the university could not afford significant increases in compensation without making substantial cuts to other areas of the budget.
- Job Security: The AAUP-WSU expressed concern about the increasing reliance on part-time, non-tenured faculty, which they argued undermined job security and academic freedom. The administration, however, maintained that the use of part-time faculty was necessary to manage the university's budget and to provide students with a diverse range of course offerings.
- Academic Freedom: The AAUP-WSU accused the administration of infringing on academic freedom by implementing policies that restricted faculty autonomy in the classroom and in research. The administration, however, maintained that these policies were necessary to ensure that the university was meeting its educational and research missions.
- Shared Governance: The AAUP-WSU argued that the administration had failed to adequately consult with faculty on important decisions, violating the principles of shared governance that are central to the academic enterprise. The administration, however, maintained that they had engaged in extensive consultations with faculty and that the AAUP-WSU was overstating the extent of the problem.
Resolution and Aftermath
After 20 days on strike, the AAUP-WSU and the university administration reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. The agreement addressed many of the faculty's concerns, including a 3% wage increase, improved job security for part-time faculty, and the creation of a joint committee to review policies that impact academic freedom. The agreement was ratified by the AAUP-WSU membership and approved by the university's board of trustees.
The Wright State strike of 2019 had significant impacts on the university and its community. The strike highlighted the challenges facing higher education institutions in the 21st century, including financial constraints, changing student demographics, and the tension between the demands of the market and the values of the academy. The strike also served as a reminder of the importance of shared governance and academic freedom in ensuring the long-term success of higher education institutions.
The strike also had lasting impacts on Wright State University itself. The university's reputation was damaged by the strike, and enrollment declined in the years that followed. The university's financial struggles continued, and in 2020, the university announced plans to merge with nearby Sinclair Community College, a move that was opposed by many faculty members and that raised concerns about the future of the university's academic mission.
The Wright State strike of 2019 was a complex and multifaceted event that reflected the broader challenges facing higher education in the United States. As universities continue to grapple with financial constraints, changing student demographics, and the tension between the demands of the market and the values of the academy, the lessons of the Wright State strike will continue to resonate.
