Fred Kowal

On November 22nd, many Americans paused to remember the terrible tragedy on that day in Dallas in 1963. President John F. Kennedy was gunned down while his motorcade slowly rolled through Dealey Plaza.

It was a matter of time—not that it made the news any easier to bear.Late last month, President Trump’s cruel immigration crackdown ensnared one of our members, a janitorial supervisor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse who was taken into custody with his husband as they waited for their scheduled immigration hearing.

Speaking at a conservative gathering several months ago, Vice President Vance took issue with the perspective that our nation’s uniqueness is in its identity, founded in the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and not in some ancient allegiance to specific territory.

Higher education inspires people to question authority, engage in critical thinking and share controversial ideas.

I wrote this commentary on the evening of January 6th, a day that left me feeling saddened, concerned and confused. I was drawn to the wise words of President Theodore Roosevelt, words I’ve often given thought to since Donald Trump entered the political arena nearly a decade ago.

A few years ago, I had this idea to open the doors to SUNY for communities that host or are nearby our campuses. My plan was simple: Anyone who wanted to was welcome to take a free course each semester at a SUNY college or university.

What’s happening at West Virginia University is deplorable.

So autumn is upon us and I find myself in a reflective mood. It was a very busy summer for my union, United University Professions.

Last December, just before the holidays, my union, United University Professions, lost a great leader, and a great friend. Rowena Blackman-Stroud was a warrior for justice, an inspiration to many, and a mentor to those who were lucky enough to know and learn from such a tireless advocate.

The incoming SUNY Chancellor is no stranger to educational interests in New York.