The CUPE 3908 Executive expresses deep concern about the increasing anti-immigration policies, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, and censorship unfolding in the United States (US).

The US government has prohibited certain terms it associates with “gender ideology,” barring government agencies from using language such as “pregnant person,” ”LGBT,” and ”transgender.” In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has retracted published research and removed approximately 8,000 pages of public health data from its websites. This censorship has halted research and erased critical information on topics like HIV, STDs, vaccinations, racial inequities in health, gender-affirming care, and hormone therapy.

Moreover, the expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids into “sensitive areas,” including churches and schools, have heightened fear and insecurity for many communities. Students and educators face increased risks of deportation, and some groups, such as Indigenous communities, have raised concerns about being targeted. Alarmingly, there are even student-led efforts, such as those at Arizona State University, to promote the reporting of fellow students for deportation.

As academic workers, we are deeply concerned about how these regressive and discriminatory policies and attitudes may affect education and the well-being of our students and members at Trent University. Indigenous peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial, and any attempt to question their belonging must be unequivocally rejected. Likewise, 2SLGBTQI individuals, immigrants, people of colour (POC), and their loved ones deserve dignity, safety, and respect.

Our members are often expected to attend events, workshops, meetings, and conferences within the US. We recognize that they may feel conflicted between the desire to advance their research and careers and the need to be safe. They may also refuse to travel to the US for any other reasons due to the current political climate. CUPE 3908 is here to protect and support our members who are now being placed in challenging situations. 

We encourage any members who are struggling to reach out for support. CUPE 3908 is committed to fostering equity and solidarity, ensuring the safety and well-being of our diverse community. Together, we stand with all equity-seeking groups in the pursuit of equal human rights, justice, and inclusion.

In solidarity, we reaffirm our commitment to standing against discrimination of any kind and supporting all those affected by these draconian policies,

The CUPE 3908 Executive