Groups Resist McMahon’s Higher Ed ‘Call to Action’

Two prominent higher education organizations have publicly urged university leaders to resist a recent "Call to Action" issued by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) issued a joint statement on August 12, 2026, calling for faculty consultation and a unified stance against the secretary's directives. This pushback comes as many university presidents and governing boards are reportedly planning to consult with their faculty on how to respond to McMahon's questions and requests.

The "Call to Action," which was disseminated to university presidents and governing boards, outlines specific areas the Department of Education wishes to examine within higher education institutions. While the exact details of McMahon's specific requests were not fully disclosed in the initial reporting, the context suggests a focus on institutional policies, curriculum, and potentially financial oversight. The AAUP and AFT framed their response as a defense of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, emphasizing the importance of shared governance and faculty input in shaping university responses to external pressures. Their statement highlighted concerns that the secretary's initiative could lead to undue federal interference in academic affairs and potentially stifle critical inquiry and diverse viewpoints on campuses.

The joint statement from the AAUP and AFT, released on August 12, 2026, specifically encouraged university leaders to engage in robust internal dialogue before formulating any official responses. They advocated for a collaborative approach, where faculty are integral to the decision-making process regarding how institutions address the Department of Education's inquiries. This stance positions the two organizations as key advocates for faculty rights and academic independence in the face of what they perceive as a potentially overreaching federal mandate. The timing of their statement, coinciding with university leaders' plans for faculty consultations, underscores their intent to influence the immediate response to McMahon's call.

This development signals a potential point of contention between higher education institutions and the federal government regarding the scope of departmental oversight. The AAUP, founded in 1915, is a national organization representing professors and academic professionals, advocating for academic freedom, student rights, and shared governance. The AFT, established in 1916, is a labor union representing teachers and other professionals, including a significant number of university faculty. Their collective voice represents a substantial segment of the academic community, and their call for resistance is likely to resonate with many faculty members and administrators concerned about maintaining institutional integrity and academic freedom.