The United Faculty of Florida (UFF) recently made headlines by filing a federal lawsuit challenging a 2023 Florida law that impacts the grievance process and post-tenure review for professors in the state. The lawsuit, filed jointly with the Florida State University and University of Florida chapters, targets the Florida Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees at UF and FSU, among others. With 41 defendants named in the complaint, UFF President Teresa Hodge spoke out about the implications of the law on academic freedom and due process for faculty members.
One of the key issues addressed in the lawsuit is a provision in Senate Bill 266 that eliminates the use of independent arbitration by a neutral third party in the grievance process. Hodge expressed concern over the lack of due process for professors, as decisions on grievances can now be made solely by university presidents without input from a third party. This change contradicts the procedures outlined in the union’s collective bargaining agreements with the universities, leading to a dispute over the legality and fairness of the new law.
Furthermore, SB 266 also alters the post-tenure review process for professors, introducing new requirements that Hodge described as micromanaging and unprecedented. Under the new system, professional contracts can only be renewed by a board appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, raising questions about the politicization of higher education in Florida. ACLU of Florida Executive Director Bacardi Jackson highlighted the erosion of academic freedom in the state, noting that professors now face pressure to align with government preferences to secure their positions.
This lawsuit marks UFF’s second challenge to SB 266, with the first suit aimed at preventing New College from enforcing the ban on independent arbitration. The impacts of the law are far-reaching, with faculty members reportedly resigning or leaving the state in response to the changes. Hodge emphasized the importance of retaining talented educators and researchers in Florida, underscoring the need to protect academic freedom and faculty voices in higher education institutions.
In the face of these challenges, UFF remains committed to advocating for its members and upholding the principles of academic freedom and due process. The lawsuit represents a critical effort to push back against the restrictions imposed by SB 266 and safeguard the rights of faculty members in Florida. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of higher education in the state and the protection of academic integrity.
