by AAUP National
March 17, 2020
The AAUP, together with its organizing partner the American Federation of Teachers, has formulated principles to guide higher education's response to COVID-19. These principles are also available here as a printable PDF.
Principles
1. Colleges and universities exist to create knowledge and serve the common good. During this coronavirus pandemic, these institutions should keep in mind their obligation to ensure the safety of the campus community. At the same time, they must firmly defend academic freedom, shared decision-making, and the important role our institutions and these principles play in our society.
2. Racism and bigotry have no place in anyone’s response to COVID-19. Institutions, faculty, staff and unions should condemn and respond to instances of racism and bigotry connected to this virus in the same manner and to the same extent they would at any other time.