DAs & Conferences - 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly

UNITED UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONS
2007 Fall Delegate Assembly
Highlights and Resolutions

The 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly of United University Professions was called to order by President William E. Scheuerman at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2007 in the Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo, NY.

In pre-plenary activities:

Academic Delegates heard Larry Gold of the American Federation of Teachers discuss Academic Freedom.
Professional Delegates discussed professional issues such as overtime, FLSA, promotions and titles.

In the Friday evening Plenary Session, Delegates heard the report of President Scheuerman.

At the Friday night Delegate Assembly Dinner:

Delegates honored the Active Retiree Award winner, Judy Wishnia (Stony Brook).
Delegates honored three winners of the Nina Mitchell Award for Distinguished Service and long-time UUP activists Greg Auleta (Oswego), Al Ermanovics (Buffalo Center) and Bob Reganse (Farmingdale).
Delegates adopted by Acclamation a Resolution of Appreciation for David Kreh (Cortland).

Resolution of Appreciation for David H. Kreh’s Service to the UUP Elections
and Credentials Committee
Whereas, David H. Kreh has served as the Chair of the United University Professions Standing Committee on Elections and Credentials for 25 years; and,
Whereas, in that capacity David H. Kreh has provided guidance and assistance to four elected Secretaries of UUP; and,
Whereas, during his tenure as Chair of Elections and Credentials, the constitutional provisions, policies, and procedures covering internal UUP chapter and statewide elections as well as external NYSUT and AFT affiliate elections, have been standardized and codified into concise language that meet all the requisite ethical and legal provisions of the federal requirements for union elections known as Landrum-Griffin procedures; and,
Whereas, David H. Kreh is so well respected for his knowledge of election requirements and procedures that he has not only served on the New York State United Teachers Credentials Committee for countless affiliate conventions, but also sat with NYSUT legal counsel to review contested seating of delegates; and,
Whereas, David H. Kreh has invested his considerable intelligence, skill, and knowledge as well as his heart and his labor in making the UUP elections as fair and equitable as possible to enable the maximum number of eligible voters to participate in the political process; and,
Whereas, David H. Kreh used his formidable leadership and interpersonal skills to guide the large and hardworking Elections and Credentials Committee through the past 25 years; and
Whereas, David H. Kreh also served to organize and carry out registration processes at UUP Delegate Assemblies and our affiliate conventions, both NYSUT and AFT, throughout his years of service; and
Whereas, David H. Kreh has commanded the respect of his UUP, NYSUT, and AFT colleagues for his strong ethical and moral principles, his fairness, and his ability to resolve election issues with a minimum of conflict and confrontation; and
Whereas, David H. Kreh has brought integrity and impartiality to all of his work for UUP; therefore be it
Resolved, that the United University Professions 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly, on behalf of all its members, commends and extends its profound gratitude to David H. Kreh for his excellent and extensive service as Chair of the UUP Elections & Credentials Committee; and be it further
Resolved, that the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly recognizes David H. Kreh’s dedication to the principle of enfranchising every union member; and be it further
Resolved, that the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly applauds David H. Kreh’s commitment to and guardianship of open and democratic elections; and be it further
Resolved, that the 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly affirms UUP’s commitment to maintain and further the high standards and principled procedures that are the legacy of David H. Kreh’s tenure as Chair of the Elections and Credentials Committee.

Three outstanding students received 2007 UUP Scholarships: Elizabeth Gray (Albany), Selena Hill (Old Westbury) and Allison Rent (Oswego).

At the Saturday Plenary, Delegates heard a Negotiations Briefing from Vice President for Academics and Chief Negotiator Fred Floss and heard reports from Vice President for Professionals Marino, Secretary Landy, Treasurer Blackman-Stroud and Membership Development Officer Quinn. Delegates took the following actions:

Adopted by Acclamation a Resolution of Appreciation for Tom Kriger.

A Resolution for Thomas J. Kriger Expressing Appreciation for His Service to UUP
Whereas, Tom Kriger has served as UUP’s director of legislation and research with honor, dignity and good humor for nine years; and
Whereas, thanks in large measure to Tom’s leadership and political action skills, UUP has become the most successful advocate for SUNY, and is now a major force in New York state’s political circles; and
Whereas, Tom has taken UUP’s advocacy program to the next level; and
Whereas, Tom has been a lifelong advocate of organized labor; and
Whereas, Tom’s long-standing relationship with UUP President William Scheuerman, that began 30 years ago when Tom was one of his students at SUNY Oswego and culminated with Tom serving as assistant to the president, has led to numerous accomplishments benefiting all UUP members — both academics and professionals; and
Whereas, his record of accomplishments achieving a series of legislative initiatives on behalf of all UUP members reflects his deep commitment and dedication to public higher education; and
Whereas, Tom’s guidance to his colleagues was an invaluable asset to the union; and
Whereas, Tom has brought to his colleagues a genuine appreciation of the environment through his love of the great outdoors; and
Whereas, despite Tom’s best efforts, the fish population remains abundant in upstate New York’s waterways; and
Whereas, Tom enriched the fortunes of Lipton through his dedicated morning ritual of a cup of tea; therefore be it
Resolved, that the UUP Delegate Assembly, officers and staff express their appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Tom Kriger upon his departure and wish him the very best in the future with the hope that his new career fits him to a “tea.”

Adopted a Resolution Supporting Employee Free Choice Act from the Solidarity and Labor and Higher Education Committees.

Whereas, American workers face unfair obstacles to their efforts to form unions; and
Whereas, this situation can be alleviated only through active organizing, political action, and progressive legislation; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP enthusiastically supports passage of the federal Employee Free Choice Act and urges our Congressional representatives to work for its passage; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP shall communicate this support to its affiliates, related central labor councils, and the national AFL-CIO.

Adopted a Resolution Supporting USLAW Activities from the Solidarity and Labor and Higher Education Committees.

Whereas, UUP is a charter member of US Labor Against the War; and
Whereas, the war and occupation in Iraq continue to demand the broadest possible popular opposition; therefore be it
Resolved, that UUP reaffirms its membership in US Labor Against the War; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP endorses the Iraq Moratorium and encourages all UUP chapters to devise anti-war activities appropriate to local conditions on the third Friday of every month, beginning October 19, 2007, in connection with the Iraq Moratorium, and be it further
Resolved, that UUP joins with other unions to endorse the October 27 regional demonstrations planned throughout the country and mobilize UUP members to join the USLAW contingent at the New York City march that day, carrying our union’s banners.

Adopted a Resolution on Faculty Governance at RPI from the Academic Delegates.

Whereas, Faculty governance is the bedrock on which higher education in
the United States is founded; and
Whereas, Provost Robert Palazzo and President Shirley Ann Jackson of RPI
have suspended the faculty senate at RPI after an election of faculty senate
leadership critical of the president; and
Whereas, The RPI Board of Trustees has taken the extraordinary step of
interfering in the composition and the running of the RPI faculty senate after the
faculty had clearly spoken; and
Whereas, An attack on faculty governance at RPI is an attack on governance at
all institutions of higher education; be it
Resolved, That United University Professions go on record as strongly opposing
the actions of the RPI President, Provost and Board of Trustees with respect to
their disbanding of the RPI faculty senate; and be it further
Resolved, That United University Professions demand the immediate
reinstatement of the duly elected faculty senate with all of its rights and powers;
and be it further
Resolved, That this Delegate Assembly request the President of UUP to convey
UUP’s outrage at this attack on academic freedom and governance to the
appropriate parties.

Adopted by Acclamation a Resolution from the Women’s Rights and Concerns Committee expressing UUP’s Continuing Support for the Effort to Further the Principle of Gender Equity.

Whereas, United University Professions has a long and laudable history of support for pay equity in the workplace; and
Whereas, United University Professions is committed to gender equity; and
Whereas, as reported in the September 26, 2007 edition of Newsday, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a class-action sex discrimination lawsuit in federal court on September 25 against Adelphi University, alleging the university pays its full-time female professors less than male professors of similar status doing the same work, and
Whereas, this lawsuit was sparked by a pay disparity complaint filed with the EEOC in 2005 by Judith H. Cohen, a tenured professor of education at Adelphi; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Delegate Assembly ask President Bill Scheuerman to write to Professor Cohen; Deborah Cooperstein, the president of Adelphi University’s 300-member chapter of the American Association of University Professiors; the national headquarters of AAUP; the Offices of the EEOC; the American Association of University Women; and Mr. Louis Graziano, the trial attorney for the EEOC; and further be it
Resolved, that in this communication President Scheuerman express UUP’s continuing support for the effort to further the critically important principle of gender equity.

Adopted a Resolution Commending the Work of President Scheuerman, UUP Leadership and NYSUT to protect Upstate Medical Center from the Health Science Centers Concerns Committee.

Whereas, SUNY directly administers teaching hospitals at Brooklyn, Stony Brook, and Syracuse. These institutions are at the heart of the University’s Health Service Centers, and are fully integrated, both programmatically and financially, with the medical schools;
Whereas, all three serve large numbers of uninsured and under-insured patients, and are essential components of the health care systems in their respective communities;
Whereas, unfortunately, for many years, these public institutions have been subject of the harmful attempts to privatize them. Most recently the Berger Commission – recommendation to privatize Upstate Medical Center and to study the feasibility of implementing the same fate for Brooklyn and Stony Brook; and be it further
Resolved, that the Health Science Concerns Committee would like to ask this body to acknowledge, recognize and commend the tireless efforts of William Scheuerman, President of UUP and the UUP leadership along with the support of NYSUT to protect and save Upstate Medical Center from the Berger Commission; and be it further
Resolved, that UUP should continue to monitor and advocate for the heart of the University’s Health Science Centers, SUNY Teaching Hospitals at Syracuse, Brooklyn and Stony Brook.

Adopted a Resolution of Solidarity and in Support of Civil Rights for the People of Burma from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, the religious and civil rights of the people of Burma are being brutally suppressed and crushed by the military cabal that rules Myanmar; and
Whereas, at least nine people including the Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai have been murdered by troops commanded by members of the Myanmar military junta; and
Whereas, Myanmar military forces have shot, beaten and murdered Buddhist monks and imprisoned them within their monasteries, and
Whereas, countless governments have condemned this brutal suppression of the people of Burma; therefore be it
Resolved, that the membership of United University Professions rises in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Burma, and be it further
Resolved, that the membership of the United University Professions condemns the acts of censorship and restrictions on intellectual freedom by restricting common citizens access to information networks Internet; and be it further
Resolved, that the President of the University Professions send a copy of this resolution accompanied by a letter of condemnation that expresses our solidarity and concern for our Burmese brothers and sisters to the Myanmar ambassador to the United States.

Adopted a Resolution in Support of the Jena Six from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, This September we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine. The courage of Melba Patillo Beals, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Minnijean Brown Trickey and Thelma Mothershed Wair in facing the hostility of a mob that refused to recognize their right to a desegregated education. It was a time in which all Americans were forced to recognize that segregated and less than equal opportunities to education existed for African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans; and
Whereas, Today we find far too often that remnants of those sordid conditions still exist in the United States, and
Whereas, Last September a group of African Americans chose to sit under the “white tree” at their putatively integrated high school in Jena, Louisiana. The result is that the next day three nooses were hung from the tree. This act was designed to create a hostile environment for African American students by placing a symbol of racial violence on the school grounds; and
Whereas, The community of Jena, Louisiana was rocked by a series of violence including an arson attack on the school property along with several assaults on African-American students in which the white offenders were never charged with a crime; and
Whereas, In December, this situation precipitated a situation in which white students taunted an African-American student who had been assaulted over the weekend and a fight broke out in the school during which one of the white students was assaulted and treated in the hospital but able to appear at a social function that night; and
Whereas, Six African-American students were immediately arrested, charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, expelled from school with charges which could bring them 20-100 years in prison; and
Whereas, In June an all-white jury convicted the first defendant Mychal Bell of “lesser” charges of aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery in a trial where the prosecutor called only white witnesses, some of whom said they did not see anything and Bell’s public defender called no witnesses and offered no evidence; and
Whereas, This frightening example of racism calls to mind an earlier time in the United States in which “strange fruit” was found throughout the South with the “lynching” of African-Americans and Hispanic Americans was common practice; and
Whereas, Part of the reason these practices were brought to an end was the courage demonstrated by courageous Americans who stood up in their own defense and received support from others around the country; and
Whereas, The young men charged with these crimes and their families have been eloquent in their own defense and calling for justice; and
Whereas, New Yorkers such as Gerit Smith and other abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass have given us a proud tradition of standing with communities around the globe and within the United States who are facing threats with the awareness that prejudice and oppression can happen anywhere there is not vigilance; now therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2007 UUP Fall Delegate Assembly voices its consternation at the practices of the legal system in Jena where all-white juries and an unbalanced judicial process unfairly serves the African-American community and fails to hold accountable those in the white community who are responsible for behaviors of verbal intimidation and physical assaults; and be it further
Resolved, That the United University Professions goes on record in support of the young men and their families in Jena in their pursuit of justice; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of United University Professions hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the families of the “Jena Six,” J. Reed Walters, District Attorney of LaSalle Parish and Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco on behalf of the members of our union.

Adopted a Resolution for Additional Funding for the SUNY Office for Diversity and Educational Equity from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, Last year a unique partnership was forged among the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, UUP and former Chancellor Ryan to proactively increase the quality and nature of SUNY’s diversity and equity efforts; and
Whereas, This partnership resulted in the development of a plan for the creation of an Office of Diversity and Educational Quality and the hiring on 15 July 2007 of Dr. Pedro Cabán as Vice Provost for Diversity and Educational Equity by the SUNY Board of Trustees; and
Whereas, Former Chancellor John Ryan stated after Dr. Pedro Cabán was appointed “As New York’s population becomes increasingly diverse, SUNY must ensure that an affordable, attainable higher education is available for all its citizens;” and,
Whereas, SUNY only received $300,000 in funding from the state budget to create the Office of Diversity and Educational Equity; and
Whereas, The initial proposal for SUNY to modestly begin meeting its diversity and equity needs was fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Office for Diversity and Educational Equity should be funded in a manner that enables this initiative to fully address the diversity and educational needs of all protected classes including Gay and disabled New Yorkers; and be it further
Resolved, That this funding should be a minimal addition of fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) to the State University of New York budget base budget along with yearly on-going increases to fully meet the needs of New Yorkers served by this office; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of the United University Professions is hereby requested to forward a copy of this resolution to Governor Spitzer, Senator Bruno, Assemblyman Silver, Senator Lavalle, Assemblywoman Glick and members of: Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus; Higher Education Committee; Legislative Women's Caucus; Task Force on New Americans; Task Force on People with Disabilities; Puerto Rican/Hispanic Taskforce and Task Force on Women's Issues.

Adopted a Resolution Requesting Recognition and Remembrance of Hispanic and Native American contributions to the Second World War by PBS from the Task Force on Emerging Issues of Diversity.

Whereas, In September PBS stations throughout the United States are currently broadcasting a documentary series “The War” which purports to give the story of the “Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four American towns;” and
Whereas, The series which runs concurrently with Hispanic Heritage month initially excluded any mention of the countless numbers of Latino and Native American veterans, both mean and women, who served with distinction in the Second World War until intense pressure was put on Ken Burns; and
Whereas, Ken Burns’ other PBS series offerings such as “Baseball,” “Jazz,” and “The Civil War” have consistently effaced and ignored Latino and Native American contributions to the United States; and
Whereas, Approximately one quarter to three quarter of a million Hispanic men and women served in the military during the Second World War; and
Whereas, Thirteen Hispanics were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their service in the Second World War: Lucian Adams Staff Sergeant, 30th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army born in Port Arthur Texas; Rudolph B. Davila, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company H, 7th Infantry, United States Army born in El Paso, TX. Marcario Garcia Staff Sergeant, Company B, 22d Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army born in Villa de Castano, Mexico; Harold Gonsalves, Private First Class, 4th Battalion, 15th Marines, 6th Marine Division, United States Marine Corps Reserve, born in Alameda, California; David M. Gonzales, Private First Class, Company A, 127th Infantry, 32 Infantry Division, United States Army, born in Pacoima, California; Silvestre S. Herrera, Private First Class, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, United States Army, born in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico and is the only living person authorized to wear the Medal of Honor and Mexico's equivalent "Premier Merito Militar" (Order of Military Merit); Jose M. Lopez, Sergeant, 2d Infantry Division, United States Army, born in Mission, Texas; Joe P. Martinez, Private, Company K, 32d Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, United States Army, born Taos, New Mexico; Manuel Perez Jr., Private First Class, Company A 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division, United States Army, born Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Cleto L. Rodriguez, WTechnical, Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Division, United States Army, born San Marcos, Texas; Alejandro R. Ruiz, Private First Class, 165th Infantry, 27th Infantry Division, United States Army, born Loving, New Mexico; Jose F. Valdez, Private First Class, Company B, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army, born Governador, New Mexico; and Ysmael R. Villegas, Staff Sergeant, Company F, 127th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division, United States Army, born Casa Blanca, California; and
Whereas, Ken Burns deliberately excluded Latinos and Native Americans from the onset of the making of his documentary by stating that “the film ‘will celebrate American diversity’ and that it will be about the ‘diversity of wartime America . . . African-American, Japanese American and white;” and
Whereas, Ken Burns has issued dismissive and disrespectful statements to the press suggesting that arguments regarding the inclusion of Latinos are not grounded in historical accuracy but rather in political correctness; and
Whereas, One of the cities chosen by Ken Burns is Sacramento, California which had a significant Hispanic presence during the Second World War only highlights his track record of erasing and denying that Hispanics have participated or contributed to American history; and
Whereas, The issue of respect for historical accuracy has been blatantly ignored in “The War,” for example, episode four covers the horrific battle for Saipan without even a passing reference to Hispanic war veteran Guy Gabaldon’s heroic front line service which resulted in the capture of one thousand Japanese military personnel and civilians; and
Whereas, Public utterances by PBS and Ken Burns have suggested that the exclusion of Latinos has been a terrible misunderstanding and that the issue has been resolved is both inaccurate and an incomplete characterization of the situation; and
Whereas, United University Professions is committed to the need for inclusion and historical accuracy; be it
Resolved, That United University Professions proudly joins in solidarity with the American GI Forum, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Defend the Honor, Hispanic Leadership Agenda, National Council of La Raza, the US Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project, League of United Latin America Citizens, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, National Institute for Latino Policy, National Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Afro-Latino Project at Queens College (CUNY), Latino Literacy Now, and APITO Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico requesting that Hispanic and Native American contribution to the Second World War is recognized and remembered by PBS; and be it further
Resolved, That the United University Professions in solidarity with living and dead Hispanic men and women war veterans and their families calls upon PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, as well as WETA-TV’s CEO and president, Sharon Percy Rockefeller to: institute policies, guidelines and measures to ensure that wholesale exclusion of the Hispanics and Native Americans does not occur again in all of their ongoing and future programming; that such programming includes educational programming and activities that renders a true portrait of the contributions of Hispanics and Native Americans, and that this body recommends that Ken Burns, PBS and WETA supplement “The War” website to include educational programming and activities that integrate Hispanic and Native American contributions to the Second World War; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of United University Professions is hereby requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the American GI Forum, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Defend the Honor, Hispanic Leadership Agenda, National Council of La Raza, the US Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project, League of United Latin America Citizens, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, National Institute for Latino Policy, National Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Afro-Latino Project at Queens College (CUNY), Latino Literacy Now, and APITO Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico.

Adopted by Acclamation a Resolution of Appreciation: A Tribute to David Kreh submitted by the Plattsburgh Chapter.

Whereas, David Kreh, Librarian from the Cortland Chapter and campus has served United University Professions with energy, commitment, loyalty and above all, unimpeachable integrity since the founding moments of UUP, and;
Whereas, David’s work on behalf of librarians in SUNY and his pivotal role in the formation of the SUNY Librarians Association has served the state, the union, campuses and libraries extraordinarily well over the last three decades, and;
Whereas, David’s approach to the management and operation of the union’s processes related to elections and credentials has been so impeccably thoughtful that UUP’s reputation for unimpeachable elections and the integrity of the process has been a model for our state and national affiliates as well as all chapters, and;
Whereas, David was instrumental in assisting the Plattsburgh chapter in implementing a serious and very influential referendum on our campus leadership. His advice on how to conduct not only the vote so that it was secure and unimpeachable and how to conduct ourselves in order to maintain objectivity were absolutely invaluable to the reputation of the chapter and to the resolution of significant problems at the campus, and;
Whereas, over the last several years, David’s organization of and clear interpersonal skills have built a large and high-functioning cadre of members from all regions and most chapters. These members and delegates gave willingly of their time to ensure the efficient and reliable conduct of the registration of and voting by delegates at the Delegate Assemblies and affiliate conventions. This large, active committee afforded real involvement in the union, and;
Whereas, David has always been available as an asset and consultant for chapter Bylaws revisions and directly affected the creation of the office of PT officer as well as accommodating idiosyncrasies and needs of specific chapters in the preparation of chapter bylaws and votes for ratification, and;
Whereas, we are well aware of the interest in clarifying the role of retirees in the operations of the business and politics of UUP, we would be remiss in not recognizing the legacy of hard-work, steadfast integrity and devotion to the membership of UUP in providing for open, democratic elections as well as registration for delegates at our assemblies, and;
Whereas, some of us have teased David about his basso profoundo and snorted at the tedium of counts and recounts, all of us have benefited from the sense of security that when David and his committee said it was done, we were confident it was well done; therefore, be it
Resolved, that even though he would think there have been way too many notes, they are well deserved, and on behalf of the members of UUP, we say to David Kreh, simply, our thanks and
BRAVO!!

Adopted the recommendations of the Executive Board on Position Statements due to sunset.

The 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly adjourned at 11:50 a.m.