Rank and File Educators at Temple University Issue Statement against Cops

Temple University recently announced a new initiative to increase “campus security,” that is, the power of campus police and the extent to which they work with the Philadelphia Police Department.

The following is a statement by Rank-and-File Temple (RAFT), the rank-and-file caucus of TAUP (AFT Local 4531). TAUP is the union for teachers, librarians, and other education workers at Temple University. RAFT has also helped lead the struggle to disaffiliate the union national AFT from all cop unions.

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Temple says they want more cops for “security.” They already have the biggest, most expensive campus police force in the country.

Cops are not the answer. We say no to TUPD and all police.

In the 2022 budget, Temple allocated over $29.6 million to “campus safety.” That’s over $10 million more than they allocated for the entire College of Education, and over $12 million more than the School of Pharmacy.

For more, read RAFT’s 2020 statement: “Why ‘Defund the Police’?”

Police have no place in the labor movement. AFT members: sign our call on the AFT to disaffiliate from cop unions.

Cops Out of Our Unions

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As part of the global movement in solidarity with Palestine and against the genocidal policies of the Israeli government, labor unions are taking action and demanding a ceasefire. This is not only a welcomed addition to the movement, but a necessary one that concretely shows the power of the working class.

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