On September 16, eleven national labor unions representing faculty and staff in higher education convened in Philadelphia, urging Vice President Kamala Harris to address the ongoing crisis in the sector. The coalition, which includes major organizations like the AFT and AAUP, emphasized the need for full funding, expanded access, and the cancellation of student debt to ensure that higher education serves the public good. Union leaders expressed concerns over decades of defunding, rising student debt, and job insecurity among educators, advocating for a shift towards a more inclusive and just education system. They also called for comprehensive immigration reform to support undocumented and international students. The group aims to collaborate with the Harris-Walz ticket on policies that prioritize public education and safeguard academic freedoms. This initiative is seen as crucial, especially if the political landscape shifts after the upcoming elections.