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BSUAAUP

@bsuaaup.bsky.social
235 followers 89 following 106 posts

Ball State advocacy chapter of the AAUP. Views are our own and do not represent the official stance of Ball State University. www.bsuaaup.com

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Indiana Conference of the AAUP @inaaup.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Higher education is built around asking questions, evaluating evidence, exchanging ideas, & participating thoughtfully in public life. Check your registration, register to vote, find your polling place, & access official election information through Indiana’s voter portal. www.in.gov/sos/election...
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Indiana Conference of the AAUP @inaaup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
AAUO & AFT's new Blueprint for Strengthening and Transforming Higher Education lays out a vision for higher education rooted in academic freedom, affordability, shared governance, public investment, and respect for the people who make our institutions work. www.aaup.org/blueprint-st...
aaup.org
A Blueprint for Strengthening and Transforming Higher Education
The AAUP and AFT jointly launched a new comprehensive policy platform ahead of the 2026 midterms aimed to counter the Trump administration’s far right extremist attacks on American higher education an...
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Get the slide here: docs.google.com/presentation...
docs.google.com
Constitution Day Slide.pptx
WWW.BSUAAUP.COM Thursday, Sept 17th 12-1pm in LB 125 Constitution Day Lunch and Learn The history of academic freedom AAUP positions on free speech on campus BSU policies on freedom of expression Rece...
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We have an event that will let you check that box - where we will discuss how the "intellectual balance" post-tenure review process impinges on your academic freedom. We even have a PowerPoint slide pre-made if you want to advertise it to your class!
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Just a reminder that as part of Ball State's post-tenure review process, faculty now have to attest to, among other things, recommending that students and community members attend Constitution Day events.
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Indiana Conference of the AAUP @inaaup.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Constitution Day is about more than celebrating a document. It’s an opportunity to talk about the rights and freedoms it is meant to protect. On 9/17, our colleagues are hosting a Lunch & Learn focused on academic freedom + free speech. 📚 Chapter leaders: Check in w/ @bsuaaup.bsky.social!
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Indiana Conference of the AAUP @inaaup.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Indiana students attending public colleges & universities will once again see undergraduate tuition & mandatory fees held @ 2024 levels this academic year. Making higher ed affordable is an important goal. But tuition is only one side of the equation. indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/08/26/i...
indianacapitalchronicle.com
Indiana in-state tuition freeze continues for second year • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana's two-year in-state college tuition freeze will continue through the 2026-27 academic year.
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Reposted by BSUAAUP
AAUP @aaup.org · 26/08/2026
The AAUP & AFT condemn the recent directive from the War Dept that publicly places 30 universities under suspicion & gives them 2 weeks to investigate years of academic activity. The directive represents another threat of funding-based coercion that undermines scientific research & innovation.
aaup.org
Department of War Directive Undermines Scientific Innovation. It Should Be Rescinded.
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AAUP @aaup.org · 10/08/2026
“Universities have an obligation to engage with policymakers, including administrations they disagree with. The challenge is ensuring that engagement protects higher education rather than normalizes political interference in it.” — Todd Wolfson, AAUP President
forbes.com
McMahon’s Call To Action Raises Questions About University Independence
Linda McMahon's "National Call to Action" asks colleges to state their commitments to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research, adn national service.
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AAUP @aaup.org · 29/07/2026
“Genuine intellectual diversity requires time for reflection, institutional independence, historical depth, ethical questioning, & the freedom to pursue research unconstrained by immediate market demands. These conditions cannot flourish where knowledge itself has become increasingly commodified.”
truthout.org
Higher Ed Can’t Be Neutral in an Age of Brutality. It Must Choose Democracy.
Contemporary proponents of “institutional neutrality” fail to grasp that universities have never been outside politics.
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United Academics @local6741.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"RESOLVED, that the AFT will affirm its commitment to pre-contract unionism in higher-ed and marshal its organizing power to help non-collective bargaining members and potential members build organizing- and power-building-focused, pre-contract union locals on their campuses." @aft.org @aaup.org
Section of the proposed AFT Convention resolution #30 "Supporting Pre-Contract Unionism in Higher-Ed" with a big stamp across it that says "RESOLUTION PASSED"
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United Academics @local6741.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Great piece—take a moment to read it. How can we combat these legislative efforts to increase our workloads (while decreasing our salaries) &, thus, decrease the quality of teaching & research? Unionize! Join here: www.aaup.org/join And get organizing! www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
Opinion | The Faculty Workload Myth
Politicians think faculty members don’t teach enough. Here’s what the data says.
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AAUP @aaup.org · 27/06/2026
Sign the petition below to challenge the Trump admin’s proposed accreditation policies that threaten free speech, weaken faculty governance, restrict curricular autonomy, & undermine academic freedom. #AcademicSky
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AAUP @aaup.org · 18/06/2026
AAUP members came together @ the Higher Ed Summit & Biennial to approve a package of critical proposals that will serve as a sweeping strategic blueprint for our Union to build structural power & go on the offensive against the political & economic threats to higher ed in this moment. 🧵
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AAUP @aaup.org · 10/06/2026
“What happens in Texas does not stay in Texas. The policies being implemented there are increasingly being proposed and replicated elsewhere.” — Todd Wolfson, AAUP President
insidehighered.com
AAUP Investigating Academic Freedom, Shared Governance in Texas
An American Association of University Professors committee is investigating academic freedom and shared governance violations across Texas, where public university leaders have restricted what faculty...
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AAUP @aaup.org · 01/06/2026
"The massive demonstrations, student occupations, & unified faculty strikes across Argentina are an inspiration to educators & workers everywhere. Public higher education belongs to the people—not oligarchs, financiers, or authoritarian politicians." — Todd Wolfson, AAUP President #AcademicSky
aaup.org
AAUP Stands in Solidarity with Argentine Higher Ed Workers & Students
AAUP President Todd Wolfson has released a statement in solidarity with Argentine faculty, students, and higher ed workers protesting the austerity agenda of President Javier Milei.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
We again would like to point to our Faculty Council Resolution from this fall in calling for BSU to adhere to its own policies and procedures when a similar issue arises in the future: bsuaaup.com/fc-resolutio...
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
This is literally what such policies are for--to guide action in fraught circumstances and provide guiding principles to strengthen your resolve in the face of outside pressure.
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
All of this could have been avoided if Ball State had abided by its own policies and statements, pointed to them when conversing with angry donors, and used that time to let cooler heads prevail.
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
To Suzanne, who shared it to a limited audience in a non-public post; B) not understand Suzanne's job; and C) be most concerned about donors and recruitment.
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It is noteworthy that in his statement defending the settlement, Mearns seems to A) misunderstand how Facebook works and shifts responsibility for the publicity of this post from Todd Rokita, the Indiana attorney general who made it national news.
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It seems that the lesson Mearns is hoping BSU faculty and staff will learn from this is that $225,000 plus legal fees is an acceptable price for improperly firing and violating the constitutional rights of an employee who becomes inconvenient.
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
This just a month after university-wide budget cuts were announced. This settlement money could have been used to restore nearly all of the cuts from Student Affairs for next year. Or reopened the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Or halved the budget hit taken by CCIM.
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Ball State spends $225,000 plus lawyer's fees (President Mearns retained a Jones Day partner out of DC) for the termination of Suzanne Swierc. Mearns defends his decision to fire her and calls this "a modest monetary payment" (www.thestarpress.com/story/news/l...).
thestarpress.com
Mearns stands by decision to fire Ball State employee over Kirk remarks
A week after posting commentary on the Charlie Kirk murder, Swierc was fired from her job as Ball State's director of health promotion and advocacy.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
An excellent opinion in @insidehighered.com on the importance of sociology and the social sciences, and how true intellectual diversity directly opposes authoritarian control of academic freedom www.insidehighered.com/opinion/view...
insidehighered.com
Why Fascists Hate Sociology (opinion)
The anti-sociology politicians are on to something in grasping the field’s power.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
"Applying those principles inconsistently, the group [BSU AAUP] argued, leaves faculty, students and staff uncertain about what behavior is allowed and creates an atmosphere of fear." @aaup.org snwrks.co/3ncjau4
snwrks.co
Ball State protest sanctions draw criticism from FIRE, AAUP
The organizations argued that the university disciplined students for protected expression and urged revisions to the policies.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Lots of mentions of the @aaup.org, as well as references to our survey and chapter president, Dr. Indigo Koslicki! www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
indystar.com
Professors claim academic freedom is under threat. What is it?
As state and federal government leaders seek to reform higher education, it has reignited a debate about the constitutionality of these efforts.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
@aaup.org , @aft.org and others are sponsoring a mass call on Sunday about strategies to pressure our schools to stop investing in partners that fund ICE and the DHS. Join the call this Sunday at 7 PM. Register using the link: www.mobilize.us/aft/event/89...
mobilize.us
Schools: Drop ICE Mass Call · AFT
We will cut off ICE’s corporate enablers — starting on our campuses. ICE isn’t invincible. Donald Trump’s deportation machine doesn’t run on willpower—it runs on contracts. ICE depends on private cor...
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
@thefireorg.bsky.social expresses concerns about the university's decision to discipline students for visiting the Admin Building in Nov, 2025. FIRE urges BSU to take multiple actions, including some that align with our chapter's Statement on Freedom of Expression from September. bit.ly/45KWq4E
thefire.org
FIRE Letter to Ball State University, January 29, 2026
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Higher Ed has positive impacts on the lives of every American, from training doctors to developing tech innovations. Political interference threatens that. Do you have a Higher Ed impact story? Share it in the comments or on this survey: buff.ly/H9dC7xG @AFTHigherEd.bsky.social @AAUP.org
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
University workers do cutting-edge scientific research that saves lives and makes us healthier. But Trump & Congressional Republicans want to cut funding for this critical, lifesaving research. Tell Congress: Stop the cuts to research! buff.ly/MhLiaBy @aaup.org @aft.org
actionnetwork.org
Support American science in federal funding
Our health and safety depend on scientific research. America is currently the world leader in cutting-edge medical and scientific research, and we want to keep it that way. Families need safe…
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Universities are enmeshed in their communities. BSU immersive learning projects connect students with Munsonians for mutually beneficial collaborations--from installing solar panels to documenting local history. Higher Ed helps communities thrive! buff.ly/jsNrCt9 @AFTHigherEd.bsky.social @AAUP.org
A student uses a tool to measure photovoltaic power potential at newly installed solar panels.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
100%, @rweingarten.bsky.social. "When we fight for higher education, we are fighting for everyone." #HigherEdBenefitsEveryone @AAUP.org @AFTHigherEd.bsky.social spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee...
spectrumnews1.com
Advocates push lawmakers on Capitol Hill to protect higher education
The American Federation of Teachers and American Association of University Professors launched a campaign and lobbied on Capitol Hill Thursday.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Calling True Crime fans! If you find bones while digging, who investigates? The sheriff dept's million $$ crime lab? Nope. Often it's the local university's Anthropology Department. True True Crime fans know the importance of funding Higher Ed. buff.ly/unPT6NO @AFTHigherEd.bsky.social @AAUP.org
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Higher Ed transforms lives. A number of BSU students, faculty & staff are first-generation college goers. They know first hand how a college education can change a life trajectory for the better. Political interference and funding cuts threaten future stories like these: buff.ly/sdr1c3h @AAUP @AFT
buff.ly
The Stories of #FirstGenBSU - Ball State English Department
This fall, Ball State welcomed 4,034 freshmen to our campus, surpassing the previous record of 4,006 in 1997. The record-setting population of freshmen also brought with it an influx of…
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Reposted by BSUAAUP
AAUP @aaup.org · 07/11/2025
Higher ed workers say: Condemn the Compact! Here is CSU-AAUP, AFT Local 6745 member A. Fiona Pearson, professor of sociology at Central Connecticut State University, calling for us to unite in the face of these attacks on higher ed! @aftct.bsky.social
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
When politicians attack higher ed, they’re not just hurting students & faculty. It hurts: ✅Patients who rely on medical research ✅Workers who reap the benefits of innovation ✅ All of us who benefit from a strong economy www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAKJ... @AAUP @AFT
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
On this Day of Action for Higher Ed, we applaud IU Bloomington's faculty council for urging IU to reject Trump's compact. Political interference from D.C. will negatively impact what Hoosiers are allowed to teach and learn and which Hoosiers can go to college. buff.ly/rdeBJwW. @aaup.org @aft.org
idsnews.com
Bloomington Faculty Council urges IU to reject Trump’s higher education compact
The resolution passed with overwhelming support.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Higher education is a public good, not a political football. It's time to make our voices heard and demand our elected officials protect this vital institution. Add your voice to ours! Tell Congress to invest in our future. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAKJ... @AFTHigherEd.bsky.social @AAUP.org
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AAUP @aaup.org · 06/11/2025
“I feel very strongly that we need to do all we can to stand against the notion that there is anything good about making compromises of the sort the Trump administration is asking universities to do." — Maria Bucur, AAUP Indiana University Bloomington
idsnews.com
Bloomington Faculty Council urges IU to reject Trump’s higher education compact
The resolution passed with overwhelming support.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
BSU faculty teach classes that transform students’ lives and do research that can change the world. They create opportunity and strengthen Muncie and Indiana. On this Day of Action, re-read VJ Rubenstein's op-ed on the impact of funding cuts on higher ed: tinyurl.com/mr2ac2mf @aaup.org @aft.org
Professor of Biology at Ball State University, VJ Rubenstein, in a lab coat working at a research station.
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Today, with a 31-4-6 vote, BSU's Faculty Council approved our resolution on Free Expression! bsuaaup.com/fc-resolutio... This shows that faculty across 31 depts remain concerned about the firing of an employee for private statements and are not ready to forget the threat this poses to us all.
bsuaaup.com
Faculty Council Resolution on Freedom of Expression at Ball State University - BSU AAUP
Rationale: On September 17, 2025, Ball State University terminated an employee for a statement she made in a private, friends-only Facebook post. This action appears to be in conflict with Ball State’...
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Our KYR event on international travel with CUNY CLEAR went great on Tuesday! If you couldn't make it, here's a handy document to help you navigate dealing with CBP for both citizens, LPRs, and non-citizens: drive.google.com/file/d/1NNDT...
Orange background with black lettering that says "Know your rights! Know your options" above orange text on a white background that says "traveling through airports or land borders"
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
If you're in Muncie, join us at the Fallen Heroes Memorial Bridge from noon to 2! #NoKings
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AAUP @aaup.org · 17/10/2025
Reject the ongoing censorship of student media on our campuses! “Administrative efforts to subordinate campus journalism to public relations are inconsistent with the mission of higher education to provide a space of intellectual exploration and debate” —Hank Reichman, in a new Academe Blog post
academeblog.org
“Instead, … They Fired a Faculty Member:” In Defense of Student Media
BY HANK REICHMAN The other day I had occasion to speak with a leader of the AAUP chapter at Columbia University, my alma mater.  I mentioned to him how useful and impressive I have found the covera…
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Dr. Sarah Vitale, secretary of our chapter, delivers some excellent comments and insight in this article by the NYT. See our petition in the comments. We are up to at least 352 signatures and still collecting them. @aaup.org @sarahvit82.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2025/09/29/u...
nytimes.com
She Was Fired for a Comment on Her Private Facebook Account
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Read our statement on Freedom of Expression at Ball State University signed by hundreds of BSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members from across the political spectrum. You can add your name too, using the form at the bottom of this page: bsuaaup.com/aaup-public-...
bsuaaup.com
AAUP Public Statement on Freedom of Expression at Ball State University - BSU AAUP
Add your name to this list by filling out this form:
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
We are proud of our students for reaching across the aisle and uniting against the suppression of free expression at Ball State University. Protecting free expression is a nonpartisan issue!
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ACLU of Indiana @acluindiana.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
“People do not forfeit their First Amendment rights when they are hired by government institutions. Public employees are free to speak on matters of public concern, so long as they are speaking as private citizens..."
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BSUAAUP @bsuaaup.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Please see our official statement regarding the termination of BSU employee Suzanne Swierc. Click the following link for the full statement: bsuaaup.com/response-to-... @aaup.org
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