As we, the staff, who run commencement are incredibly aware: there is tightened security and additional, undemocratically adopted policy overshadowing the events so many of us work to make possible. USU members* Anne Elias and Rita Lee drafted an open letter responding to a request from management for volunteers to manage protesters, and sent it to U-M leadership this Monday, April 29, 2024. Please consider joining them in solidarity with staff in Student Life and Office of Enrollment Management by signing this letter of support. We encourage all USU members and supporters to add your name to this statement and share with colleagues.
Have you experienced something like this during your time at U-M? Share your story with us by scheduling a conversation with a fellow staff member today! University Staff United is your union. We’re here to support you.
*Please note: This letter was written by individual USU organizing committee (OC) members after a concerned staff member contacted USU for help. It is not written on behalf of USU. USU OC members voted on 5/3 to use our communication platforms to share this letter broadly. Signatures are being collected voluntarily from the UM community (staff, faculty, students & alumni).