American Association of University Professors - American Federation of Teachers

For Immediate Release
Monday, September 19, 2005

For More Information Contact:
Patrick Nowlan, Staff Representative
732-445-2278 or cell: 908-812-0972

HIGHER EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSE CORZINE FOR GOVERNOR

The Council of State College Locals, American Federation of Teachers (AFT, AFL-CIO) and the Rutgers Council of AAUP-AFT today announced their endorsement of US Senator Jon Corzine, the Democratic candidate, for Governor of New Jersey.  The Council of State College Locals represents 7,500 faculty, adjunct faculty, librarians, and professional staff employed at New Jersey’s nine State colleges and universities.  They are: Kean University, New Jersey City University, Montclair State University, Ramapo College, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Rowan University, The College of New Jersey, Thomas Edison State College and William Paterson University.  The Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters is jointly affiliated with the American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers and represents over 5,500 members of the faculty and staff on the three campuses of Rutgers University (Newark, New Brunswick and Camden).  Its members include 2,500 professors, 2,000 teaching and graduate (research) assistants, 1,000 part-time lecturers and 25 Educational Opportunity Fund Counselors

Nicholas Yovnello, President of the Council of State College Locals commented on the Corzine endorsement that “As a United States Senator, Jon Corzine has a perfect voting record on AFT and AFL-CIO issues.  He opposes the privatization of social security, fights for worker protections in trade agreements and is a co-sponsor of legislation that would make is easier for workers to join unions and engage in collective bargaining.  He has also vigorously defended Pell Grants against Republican attempts to reduce their value.  He is committed to collective bargaining and many of the Council’s legislative goals.”  Yovnello concluded that “It is for these reasons that the Council unanimously endorsed senator Corzine’s candidacy for Governor.”

Lisa Klein, Rutgers University AAUP-AFT President stated that “When we look at the two candidates, the choice is clear.  Corzine’s statements on student assistance and research funding demonstrate a true vision for higher education in New Jersey.  His commitments to faculty governance and academic freedom have earned our trust and respect.  And his support of pay equity for part-time and adjunct faculty demonstrates a keen understanding of issues that affect the quality of our undergraduate education.  Jon Corzine is the proven candidate who has laid out a coherent higher education agenda that will move the State in a positive direction.  The Rutgers University faculty and staff are excited about his campaign and we are confident that Senator Corzine is committed to ensuring that our students, and all New Jersey citizens, benefit from the highest quality of instruction and research.  We are certain that Senator Corzine shares our commitment.”

Yovnello and Klein also stated that “both of our organizations are proud to join with the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and the entire labor movement in New Jersey in committing our resources to the election of Jon Corzine as New Jersey’s next Governor.”

##