I support this petition because the labor studies programs are the only avenue workers have to educate themselves about subjects that are important to their working lives. As a graduate of the labor studies program, I feel it is a SHAME what is happening to the program, and the faculty. This is nothing more than politics standing in the way of a worker obtaining an education.
As a proud IU alumnus (MLS, 2004), I am shocked and dismayed at this attempt to dismantle the Labor Studies program at IU. This is another rank example of the academic freedom being sacrificed for the interests of big business.
... this type of program does indeed enable the study of a unique field of knowledge. And, Labour Studies is a field of knowledge that releases the potentiality (often otherwise constricted) beacus eit focusses on what is, alongside of procreation, the most essential human activity - work and the relations within the world of work. Removing LS from the university scene closes minds and is itself reflective of closed mindsand ruling class priorities. ... Don
It is always of crucial importance to develop and preserve knowledge about the wide range of phenomena that come under the term "labor" -- especially in today's cultural climate. The success of DLS in enrolment demonstrates that there is wide interest in the issues the department studies and in the approaches it has developed. Indiana University should feel proud of its DLS tradition and of the opportunities it offers. Best wishes.
The division of Labor Studies fills a unique and needed position in academia. As a Labor Studies alumnus (BS 1988), I am particularly upset that the Labor Studies program is under attack. Universities should represent all segments of society and present all points of view. Would it be all that terrible to put aside your elitism and do something good for working people? Do the right thing.
In California we have just rewon funding for labor studies and labor education at the ten campus University of California. This was the result of a vigorous campaign waged by many in the state legislature, by the labor movement and by a core of faculty at UC itself.
The study of labor is an essential part of studying democracy, obstacles faced in democratic struggles, and the improvement in peoples' living conditions.
because, as a former Garyite I know that Labor Studies had done a fine job of relating to the community and combining the best in the study of labor traditions and civil rights traditions of Northwest Indiana.
Myself, six of my children, and 4 daughter-in-laws have attended IU. All but one have one or more degree's. Keep Labor Studies in operation. Don't degrade IU's reputation
Labor Studies is critical to a balanced and in-depth discourse and to a real understanding of the current world of politics and economics. The Division of Labor Studies at IU has been a leader in bringing a college education to working people and in bringing an understanding of the realities of the modern workplace to the rest of the academy. The DLS should be seeing increased funding, not attacks on its very existence.
and all those involved in the labor studies program. We can not let this program be another casualty in the war against labor that the right wing has been waging for decades.
Labor Studies is an important scholarly discipline, and those of us outside of Indiana (including those, like me, in more conventional academic fields) respect the scholars at work in your program. Please retain it.
Christopher Phelps
Department of History
The Ohio State University
Labor Studies has made a fine contribution to public education in the state of Indiana and academic studies at the university. It deserves strong suport.
It's typical of capitalist America that universities support big business in all kinds of ways but are attacking any program that aims to help workers.
I support this petition because it is important to preserve labor studies so that students can learn about our successes and struggles from the workers perspective, not just business.
I support this petition because Indiana University Labor Studies has been beneficial to the working community.
Taxpayers as well as both present and future students should have every opportunity to become educated in all aspects that affect everyday life. Including the Labor environment.
Why a major university would cease to eliminate a profitable and a useful educational opportunity because of political pressure is degrading to the thousands who have received benefits, both directly and indirectly from IU Labor Studies.
This program is the only one available to educate our workers as well as management students who want to see the other side of their education. I have sat with many students in management and nursing that LOVED what they learned in LS, to help them on their job and to know the hows and whys of the work place. Please don't take this socially valuable program apart! Susan Perry
I cannot believe that IU would bend to political pressure of both the labor hating state and Federal governments by doing away with the Labor Studies Program. It makes me ashamed to say that I have attended (and graduated twice) from this institution. Knowledge is power. By taking Labor Studies away from the workers, it just goes to show how governments and instutions do not want the workers empowered! Chalk another up to Mitch Daniels and Chuck Davis!
