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CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
VP for Grievances and Academic Freedom (4 candidates; vote for 1)
Aleksandar Jokic
Professor, Philosophy. Tenured Faculty
The 2024/25 academic year will no doubt live in infamy in the history of PSU. We have seen an unprecedented attack on job security and layoffs. Most of our 17 colleagues who had been laid off have filed grievances based on solid evidence that the administration did not follow the process governed by Article 18 of our contract. In the current context we can expect more trials and tribulations of this sort, making the coming years likely busy when it comes to enforcing the contract-based rights of our union members. Similarly, attacks on academic freedom are intensifying though coming mostly from outside academia, and they will pose a new set of problems in the coming years. I am anxious to take up those challenges.
PSU-AAUP experience: PSU-AAUP Executive Council 2013-15 and 2023-25; Bargaining teams since 2024; AAUP Family Friendly fund 2023-2025.
[This statement was submitted by the nominee]
Neera Malhotra
Assistant Professor of Teaching Practice, University Studies. Non Tenure Track Faculty
I have been a member of PSU-AAUP since joining the faculty as a Non-Tenure-Track Instructor in 2016. I now work as an Assistant Teaching Professor at University Studies. With deep gratitude, I am pleased to share that I have been nominated for the position of VP for Grievances and Academic Freedom. My core qualification for this position is offering honest presence with equanimity and deep listening to support justice. Outside academia, I have served on the boards of two local nonprofits: Disability Rights Oregon (2015-2017) and The Breathe Network (2023-). Additionally, I serve as a guide for contemplative practices. Thank you for your consideration.
[This statement was submitted by the nominee]
Megan McFarland
Digital Inclusion & Universal Design Coordinator, Office of Academic Innovation. Academic Professional.
Instructor, College of Education.
I’m running for VP for Grievances & Academic Freedom because no one should face injustice alone. Issues like layoff grievances entering arbitration and reported barriers to bilingual pay are happening alongside national attacks on human rights and higher education. I can bring steady, informed, and compassionate support to our members in this complex climate. I’m a disabled employee, former special educator, and current adjunct teaching courses on advocacy and interagency collaboration, with a decade of experience navigating labor and disability rights. I’ve supported many colleagues through the ADA process and know how dehumanizing these systems are. But together, we can turn them into pathways for change. Grievances are just one of the tools we have to uphold our rights, and I’m committed to helping members use the full protections in our contract and the law. I’ll be an ally who helps members feel equipped and empowered, on paper and in practice.
PSU-AAUP Experience: Unit Rep for OAI
[This statement was submitted by the nominee]
Jessica Rodriguez-Jenkins
Associate Professor. School of Social Work. Tenured Faculty
I’m an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work, where I have served since 2017. I am running for Vice President of Grievances and Academic Freedom because I believe in the critical role that AAUP plays in defending academic rights and shared governance. My academic and advocacy work is firmly grounded in justice and equity—values I will bring to this position.
In this present climate, as academic freedom is consistently under attack, I am committed to fighting for us and the values that we hold here at PSU. Through my years of teaching, organizing, and advocacy, I’ve developed a deep understanding of systems, policy, and the power of collective action.
I’m eager to work collaboratively to protect the academic integrity of our institution and support the rights and voices of all of our community members.
[This statement was submitted by the nominee]
END OF BALLOT
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