University of Oregon Unions Protest Surveillance Policies

University of Oregon unions rallied to protest new 'free speech policies' they believe threaten academic freedom and encourage surveillance of faculty and students. Organized by the UO Campus Labor Council, the protest involved over 8,000 workers from various unions who delivered a letter of condemnation to UO President Karl Scholz. Union representatives highlighted concerns over increased surveillance practices, such as students being encouraged to report faculty for political content and cross-referencing student IDs with police materials. The measures have reportedly resulted in disciplinary actions against students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Protesters argue that these policies are framed as protecting free speech while effectively limiting it, calling for the university to cease such practices. The university has not yet responded to these specific allegations.