Rudy Fichtenbaum
“AAUP has long recognized that graduate employees are members of the profession and are essential to the teaching and researching mission of higher education. This is certainly true at Temple, where 25% of the undergraduate courses are taught by graduate instructors and TAs. Their contributions to the institution, and the contributions of other Temple employees, are no less valuable during this time of national health crisis. We urge the Temple administration to do the right thing and to work with TUGSA and all the unions on campus to ensure the health, safety, and economic security of all university employees during this crisis.”
—AAUP President, Rudy Fichtenbaum
“AAUP has long recognized that graduate employees are members of the profession and are essential to the teaching and researching mission of higher education. This is certainly true at Temple, where 25% of the undergraduate courses are taught by graduate instructors and TAs. Their contributions to the institution, and the contributions of other Temple employees, are no less valuable during this time of national health crisis. We urge the Temple administration to do the right thing and to work with TUGSA and all the unions on campus to ensure the health, safety, and economic security of all university employees during this crisis.”
—AAUP President, Rudy Fichtenbaum
Helen Gym
“I applaud TUGSA for drawing attention to the urgent needs of graduate students during this public health crisis, in particular ensuring that Temple provides the affordable healthcare and summertime stipends that their graduate students need to pay their rent and maintain their health. Hundreds of graduate students have kept Temple University running and will do so again once we are through this crisis. I urge Temple University to give its graduate student community the most important thing an institution can grant right now – the security to know that they and their families are safe, healthy and valued.”
—Helen Gym, Philadelphia City Councilmember
“I applaud TUGSA for drawing attention to the urgent needs of graduate students during this public health crisis, in particular ensuring that Temple provides the affordable healthcare and summertime stipends that their graduate students need to pay their rent and maintain their health. Hundreds of graduate students have kept Temple University running and will do so again once we are through this crisis. I urge Temple University to give its graduate student community the most important thing an institution can grant right now – the security to know that they and their families are safe, healthy and valued.”
—Helen Gym, Philadelphia City Councilmember
Isaiah Thomas
I proudly stand with the Temple University Graduate Student's Association (AFT Local 6290) during this global pandemic. As an educator and a Councilmember, I believe in equitable education and that every Philadelphian's basic needs are met. I strongly support TUGSA's need for health insurance coverage, summer subsidy program, cooperation with immigration officials and prorated refunds of fees. It is in times of crisis that society shows their values; I am humbled to be a part of a City that values working together to rise above a crisis. These graduate students may find the cure for the next pandemic or the solution to prevent the next pandemic - we must value this critical work and in turn, value these students.
—Isaiah Thomas, Philadelphia City Councilmember
I proudly stand with the Temple University Graduate Student's Association (AFT Local 6290) during this global pandemic. As an educator and a Councilmember, I believe in equitable education and that every Philadelphian's basic needs are met. I strongly support TUGSA's need for health insurance coverage, summer subsidy program, cooperation with immigration officials and prorated refunds of fees. It is in times of crisis that society shows their values; I am humbled to be a part of a City that values working together to rise above a crisis. These graduate students may find the cure for the next pandemic or the solution to prevent the next pandemic - we must value this critical work and in turn, value these students.