Toby Higbie
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thigbie.bsky.social
Toby Higbie
@thigbie.bsky.social
2.1K followers 990 following 440 posts
I teach U.S. history & labor studies at a public university in California. First 40 years in the Midwest. Posting personal opinions about labor & migration history, worker organizing, higher ed policy, Midwest politics and regionalism. He/him.
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Reposted by Toby Higbie
erikloomis.bsky.social
This Day in Labor History: November 19, 1915. Utah executed IWW organizer Joe Hill for a murder he almost certainly did not commit. But he was an Wobbly and dispensable to society, especially in Utah, a starkly conservative western state outraged by the sheer existence of these radicals!!!
November 19, 2025 at 1:59 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
“Hovering over all proposed solutions was the prospect of faculty unionization.… A lot of tenure-track faculty are now where graduate students were a few decades go.”

@cnewf.bsky.social reflects on his recent tour of U.S. universities
utotherescue.blogspot.com/2025/11/line...
Liner Note 42. Since Your Power is the Story Then Never Interrupt It
Indiana University on November 6, 2025    Critiquing universities is one thing and rebuilding them is another.   Getting from the first to...
utotherescue.blogspot.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:29 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Great wrap of education news in the recent elections. Turns out defending public education is popular!

Also… Arne Duncan launching a trial ballon for a Rahm Emanuel presidential bid?? I’d rather not.
jenniferberkshire.bsky.social Jennifer Berkshire @jenniferberkshire.bsky.social · 15d
Education played a surprising role in powering this week's blue wave. I wrote about what went down, why it matters and what's next educationwars.substack.com/p/education-...
Education Helped Power the Blue Wave
10 surprising election takeaways
educationwars.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:27 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
”The resolution agreements, which exhibit high degrees of uniformity, are an emerging blueprint for a system of federal surveillance of campus speech and dissent.”

AAUP/MESA report explains how a novel approach to Title VI investigations developed pre-Trump, then took off under Trump II.
aaup.org AAUP @aaup.org · 7d
“This report underscores how the Civil Rights Act of 1964—which passed in response to years of nonviolent civil disobedience against racial injustice—is being misused to squash political dissent & speech that advocates for the human rights of Palestinians.”

— Veena Dubal, AAUP General Counsel
Power & Pushback: New report details weaponization of antisemitism on campuses
A new report from the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association reveals how civil rights law has been used to suppress Palestine activism on U.S. campuses.
mondoweiss.net
November 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
“One way or another, we need to get our hands on the steering wheel of AI.” @tedunderwood.com makes the case for higher ed engagement w/ AI development.

Okay, if ”steering” implies choice of when and how to deploy tools (or not) in research, teaching, management.
www.chronicle.com/article/ai-i...
Opinion | AI Is the Future. Higher Ed Should Shape It.
If we want to stay at the forefront of knowledge production, we must fit technology to our needs.
www.chronicle.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:57 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Universities spend gazillions on EdTech software that doesn’t serve faculty or student interests and often doesn’t work well. But what if we got off that path and leveraged internal resources to produce non-profit systems? Here’s a proposal to leverage the CUNY systems platforms.
moneyontheleft.bsky.social Money on the Left @moneyontheleft.bsky.social · 11d
"Christopher Newfield called for academics to 'seize the means of knowledge production' by working 'step by step ... toward direct control of universities.' ... I think the most imperative, but also the most apparent pressure point for academics looking to act upon his call is education technology."
Mamdani Win Could Be The First Step Towards Seizing The Means of Knowledge Production (Let CUNY Socialize EdTech for All of Us)
by Matt Seybold This essay originally appeared on Matt Seybold’s The American Vandal Substack. We are grateful for his generous permission to republish it here. An understandable response to …
moneyontheleft.org
November 15, 2025 at 3:20 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Much love to our UCLA student leaders who stuck their necks out to support the faculty and staff lawsuit against Trump's attacks on the UC system!
November 15, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Reposted by Toby Higbie
miriamposner.com
Especially grateful to the brave, steadfast undergraduate students who filed an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit.
Student organization coalition files amicus brief supporting lawsuit against Trump - Daily Bruin
This post was updated Nov. 5 at 1:02 a.m. A coalition of 25 student organizations filed an amicus brief Thursday in support of a lawsuit against President Donald Trump that alleged research funding su...
dailybruin.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Reposted by Toby Higbie
veenadubal.bsky.social
BREAKING: In AAUP et al v. Trump (wall-to-wall union lawsuit challenging the administration’s unlawful use of TItle VI to reshape the University of California system), the faculty and staff of the UC system WON!!!

We were granted our preliminary injunction! @aaup.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:55 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
When we fight, we win! Judge issues injunction against Trump attacks on Univ of California. Faculty with @aaup.org are defending this public university

calmatters.org/education/hi...
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules
A federal judge ruled Donald Trump cannot demand that UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement that would have restricted academic freedoms.
calmatters.org
November 15, 2025 at 2:51 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
"The news comes as the first signs of winter descended on the Chicago area, including several inches of snowfall over the weekend."
November 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Engaging discussion about ICE and the University with UCLA's @lucecaroline.bsky.social and @aaronkrall.bsky.social from U of Illinois Chicago faculty union discussing campus and community responses to Trump's anti-immigrant assault on AAUP TV
www.youtube.com/live/62uji3s...
November 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Reposted by Toby Higbie
workingclasshistory.com
#OtD 11 Nov 1887 4 of the Haymarket martyrs were executed in Chicago. They were anarchist labour organisers framed for a bombing because of their role in the fight for the 8-hour day. Learn more in this history of May Day, which commemorates them: shop.workingclasshistory.com/products/the...
November 11, 2025 at 5:25 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
Tentative agreement for 20K @uptecwa.bsky.social workers across Univ of California campuses. Planned strike called off pending ratification of the contract by members.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
UC reaches contract agreement with 21,000 employees, averting a strike
The University of California and the union representing healthcare, research and technical employees reached a contract agreement, averting a possible strike.
www.latimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:13 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Trump is demanding $1.2B from UCLA and UC leadership won't fight back or tell the public that they are negotiating in secret. Write to the Board of Regents and UC Office of the President (UCOP) demanding No Negotiation with Trump.
cucfa.solidarity.tech/tell-ucop-an...
Tell UCOP and the Regents Not to Negotiate! - Council of UC Faculty Associations
Send a letter to University of California President Milliken and the Regents to ask them to stand up for the UC—to provide interim funding sources and to ensure that the UC is not complying with the T...
cucfa.solidarity.tech
November 8, 2025 at 1:35 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
Eye-opening boat tour of the Port of LA today with UCLA Labor Studies students and ILWU guides @uclairle.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Reposted by Toby Higbie
uclalabor.bsky.social
Wage theft is rampant in the meatpacking industry.

New research findings from the UCLA Labor Center shed light on the experiences of meatpacking and food processing workers in LA county.

📊 Full report: bit.ly/LAMPFP
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
Judge blasts Trump’s Chicago border ‘Blitz,’ extends curbs on use of force that ‘shocks the conscience’ chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Judge blasts Trump’s Chicago border ‘Blitz,’ extends curbs on use of force that ‘shocks the conscience’
Judge Sara Ellis said Trump's Justice Department lacks credibility, partly because of a lie told by U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:55 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
Faculty and staff are fighting for the University and academic freedom. Administrators? Not so much
miriamposner.com Miriam Posner @miriamposner.com · 17d
“A federal judge on Thursday excoriated the Trump administration’s blitz of hardball tactics against elite universities, warning that the government’s threats and investigations were undermining academic freedom at the University of California.”
Trump Pressure Risks Free Speech at University of California, Judge Warns
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Reposted by Toby Higbie
drloisweiner.bsky.social
Faculty doing what the administration won't- defending the institution.
thigbie.bsky.social Toby Higbie @thigbie.bsky.social · 17d
“The fact of this case shows that the federal government is using the threat of legal and financial sanctions in order to coerce the University of California and to commandeer the University of California in imposing its own ideological and political agenda,”
www.courthousenews.com/uc-faculty-s...
UC faculty, staff ask judge to halt Trump's coercive funding cuts
A federal judge cited overwhelming evidence that the Trump administration was using civil rights investigations to go after universities that don't comply with the president's ideological agenda.
www.courthousenews.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:37 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
“The fact of this case shows that the federal government is using the threat of legal and financial sanctions in order to coerce the University of California and to commandeer the University of California in imposing its own ideological and political agenda,”
www.courthousenews.com/uc-faculty-s...
UC faculty, staff ask judge to halt Trump's coercive funding cuts
A federal judge cited overwhelming evidence that the Trump administration was using civil rights investigations to go after universities that don't comply with the president's ideological agenda.
www.courthousenews.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:19 AM
thigbie.bsky.social
Researchers see “an emerging societal consensus across labor, professional associations, and consumers that key functions such as education, health care, and government are vital for the public good and must be performed by a human.“ AI automation is not inevitable.
techpolicypress.bsky.social Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 20d
AI in the workplace isn’t just automation. Workers report discrimination, intensified workloads, and even automated firing. New state policies aim to center workers, write Mishal Khan and Annette Bernhardt from the Technology and Work Program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center.
Evaluating Trends and Challenges in State Regulation of Workplace Technologies | TechPolicy.Press
The 2025 US state legislative session has been something of a watershed moment for tech and work policy, write Mishal Khan and Annette Bernhardt.
www.techpolicy.press
November 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Happy Halloween! Here's a classic from the SEIU/USWW Justice for Janitors archive @uclalibrary.bsky.social.
A child in pajamas holding their parent's hand and a sign that reads "Justicia para Conserjes!" (Justice for Janitors), c. 1990.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
thigbie.bsky.social
Labor in the archives! Had a blast showing off the Justice for Janitors collection to David Huerta who shared stories of the epic 2000 LA janitors strike. Thanks to our @uclalibrary.bsky.social partners!
uclairle.bsky.social UCLA IRLE @uclairle.bsky.social · 24d
Earlier this month, David Huerta, president of SEIU-USWW, visited UCLA Library before joining a panel on worker organizing in a UCLA Labor Studies class with Flor Melendrez, CLEAN Carwash Worker Center director.

Read about their visit here: irle.ucla.edu/2025/10/30/h...
L.A. labor leaders link the past and future during visit to UCLA campus
David Huerta, SEIU-USWW president, explored labor history archives before joining Flor Melendrez, CLEAN Carwash Worker Center director, for a panel on worker organizing
irle.ucla.edu
October 30, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Reposted by Toby Higbie
awalkerinla.bsky.social
300 LACMA workers are organizing with AFSCME Cultural Workers United District Council 36.

"As the museum nears completion of the new David Geffen Galleries — a project estimated to cost more than $700 million — ensuring the stability of staff should be equally crucial to the future of the museum"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/29/25 Contact: Kathleen Cancio (845) 271-9651 kcancio@afscme.org Los Angeles County Museum of Art Workers Latest to Announce Unionization Efforts LOS ANGELES – Following a wave of successful organizing drives among cultural institutions in Los Angeles County, workers at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States, announced that they are forming a union, LACMA United, with AFSCME Cultural Workers United District Council 36. The new union would represent over 300 workers and include curators, educators, guest relations associates and more. In a letter addressed to LACMA staff, its executive team and board of trustees, workers asserted that as the museum nears completion of the new David Geffen Galleries – a project estimated to cost more than $700 million – ensuring the stability of staff should be equally crucial to the future of the museum. “Many employees are struggling with wages that have not kept up with the rising cost of living in the sixth most expensive city in the world,” the workers state in their letter. Workers also said that virtually all departments have absorbed expanded responsibilities and workloads due to high turnover, limited resources and vacated or frozen positions, often without additional compensation. By forming LACMA United, workers aim to address these issues and advocate for fairer compensation, expanded benefits and increased transparency in institutional protocols and resources – changes that will improve the well-being of staff and enhance the services they provide for diverse communities. “I’ve had the privilege of editing books and exhibition materials at LACMA for nearly 25 years,” said Sara Cody, who works as a senior publications editor. “But as departments have shrunk and workloads have grown increasingly unsustainable, it’s become more and more challenging to uphold the level of excellence these projects deserve. Forming our union will ensure that we all have the resources and respect to consistently produce our best work as the museum moves forward,” said Cody. “Being pro-union means being pro-people!” said Charline Nacion, a mobile programs coordinator at LACMA. “To support cultural workers from within the institution means to support the communities we serve." Sierra Schiano, a teacher for mobile programs, shared similar aspirations for the staff union. “I love teaching kids about ancient art by holding actual ancient artifacts — that's a job I can only do at LACMA,” said Schiano. “But I would also love to have the support of a union to ensure that this job is part of a sustainable career.” Workers have requested voluntary recognition of their union, LACMA United, upon demonstration of majority support from the museum’s executive team and board of trustees by November 5. In the last few years, Los Angeles County cultural institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Foundation, and most recently the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and La Brea Tar Pits granted voluntary recognition to their staff unions, all of whom also organized with AFSCME District Council 36 and are part of AFSCME Cultural Workers United, the largest union for cultural workers in America. Workers at LACMA are hopeful the museum will respect workers’ voices and follow suit.
October 29, 2025 at 4:13 PM