"NYSUT and its 620,000 members stand with you in solidarity!"
That's the message of support NYSUT President Karen Magee brought to the faculty of Long Island University's Brooklyn campus, locked out by administrators over Labor Day weekend, at a rally and press conference Friday morning.
"Let us teach; that's what this is all about," Magee said. "Give our students what they deserve — a quality education with quality teachers."
"NYSUT in solidarity" signs peppered the crowd, which included the locked-out faculty — both full- and part-time — students and supporters. NYSUT Vice Presidents Catalina Fortino and Paul Pecorale were also on hand to lend their support.
Speaking at the event, AFT President Randi Weingarten was critical of LIU President Kimberly Cline for the lockout and the use of replacement workers to teach classes, calling her actions "immoral."
"How dare you pretend a botanist can teach ballet," Weingarten said.
The Long Island University Faculty Federation, which represents 400 faculty members, was scheduled to host a teach-in on the issues surrounding the lockout later Friday. Magee, Fortino and Weingarten were expected to participate.