Council Backs Professors in Contract Negotiations

The Boston City Council has passed a resolution in support of Tufts University’s Professors of the Practice (PoPs) during their contract negotiations, citing inadequate progress and engagement from university leadership. Faculty are demanding a 4% cost-of-living increase but have received a counteroffer of just 2. 75%. The resolution underscores the critical role PoPs play in maintaining the School of the Museum of Fine Arts' academic standards and contributing to Boston's arts community. Enrollment at SMFA has surged nearly threefold, yet the number of full-time PoPs has decreased from 40 to 30, leading to increased workloads.

Additionally, the resolution points out challenges faced by BIPOC and international faculty, such as inequitable treatment and inconsistent visa support. By adopting this resolution, the Council affirms support for workers' rights to organize and calls for Tufts to negotiate in good faith. It also emphasizes the need for the university to align faculty investment with its values of equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. These actions reflect growing concerns about faculty welfare and the sustainability of academic programs in the arts.