Dear faculty colleagues,

Amidst increasing Covid case counts, we know that many of you have expressed serious concerns regarding the Board’s decision last night to continue in-person classes and student services as scheduled. We know that others are eager to go back to campus, but may still have questions about what safety measures are in place for faculty, staff, and students. Whether faculty want to work in person at this point or not, we know that our campuses must be safe for all who use them. We have been advocating for the District to implement robust safety measures since the first discussions of returning to in-person instruction, and we know this work must continue.

In light of the Board’s decision, we asked all faculty to take a brief, anonymous survey regarding Covid-19 exposure and comfort level with returning to campus. The survey will inform our advocacy as we move forward.

Over 400 members responded to our AFT COVID Survey in 24 hours, a record-breaking response rate.  Overall, the survey showed that about 60% of respondents feel unsafe or very unsafe returning to campus, suggesting that the District has not done nearly enough to put in place the recommended public health measures that will get our campuses ready for all of us to return to in-person work. (See Survey results here.)

We know this is a difficult time and we are here to support all faculty. Thank you for being part of our effort to achieve safe working conditions and learning conditions for all.

In solidarity,
Marianne

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