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“The judiciary … has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments.” – Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 78

With a stroke of the keyboard today, the U.S. Supreme Court injected itself squarely into the political realm, eroded federalism, adopted a novel theory of the First Amendment, and squandered its legitimacy by prioritizing the dreams of well-funded billionaires over millions of working people.

In recent years, working people have too often learned that the political branches of the state and the federal government are not dependable sources of goodwill and fairness. Today provides us with evidence that we cannot even rely on the Supreme Court’s ability to serve as a safeguard against those well-funded interests that seek to exploit workers in order to further fill their coffers.

We can only depend upon each other, our unions, and the strength of our solidarity.

APSCUF existed before fair share, and APSCUF will thrive in the future. Our members make us who we are, and together we know we will continue to be a force with which to be reckoned. We will not rely on others to protect us; we will stand up for ourselves more now than ever before.

I am APSCUF proud.

—APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash

Today’s Janus v. AFSCME decision, in which the Supreme Court ruled against public-sector unions, is an attack on unions and working people, but we remain united. We stand with our union sisters and brothers. We are APSCUF proud.

So, what can you do now? First, make sure you’re a full member. If you’re not sure or know you need to become one, you can contact your chapter office manager and start the simple process of joining APSCUF.

On social media, you can share a photo of yourself with #APSCUFproud and #union signs. Be sure to tag APSCUF or send them to so we’ll be sure to see and share them. Don’t have a paper sign? Head over to our Facebook page to add this overlay:

If you’re not already, now is a critical time to get involved with APSCUF. Contact your chapter or state leadership to find out how you can share your time and talents to galvanize our union.

We will continue to stand together for quality, affordable public higher education — and for working people.

Joseph Miele, second from left, announced he was stepping down as State APSCUF parliamentarian at legislative assembly in April. The professor of psychology plans to retire from East Stroudsburg University in two years. Photos/Kathryn Morton

Out of all 28 years Joseph Miele has been an APSCUF member, his fondest memory stems from the strike of 2016. Standing in solidarity with his fellow East Stroudsburg University colleagues on the picket line, he says, was “an exhilarating moment.” Although he would have much rather been in the classroom teaching, the unity of faculty and students demanding quality public higher education was an outstanding time that he said he will never forget.

Miele is stepping down from his position of State APSCUF parliamentarian, a role he has held since February 2016, and the professor of psychology plans to retire in two years. He originally took on the APSCUF role because he knew a little about the rules and wanted to help the organization, he said.

APSCUF President Kenneth M. Mash, a political-science professor at East Stroudsburg University, praised Miele for his work ethic, “even-keeled temperament,” and deep and abiding commitment to APSCUF service at both the state and chapter levels.

Miele, seated, with the East Stroudsburg contingent in April.

APSCUF’s ESU chapter president, Nancy VanArsdale, a professor of English, lauded Miele’s contributions at the local level as well.

“Joe has done amazing service,” VanArsdale said, describing Miele’s APSCUF work, including as ESU grievance chair, meet-and-discuss chair, helping to rewrite sabbatical guidelines, and as a legislative assembly delegate. “He was also one of our strike captains in the big and successful strike. Many, many faculty go to Joe, often on a weekly basis, to get guidance related to interpreting the CBA.”

Miele has seen APSCUF evolve into an organization that works with individuals and stands up to the state when it defunds education, he said. The greatest thing a union has to offer is the balance it creates with management, he said.

“Every member needs to know someone has their back,” Miele said. “We know what happens when the balance shifts too much one way or the other. When there’s good balance, there’s good productivity.”

Miele said he will be sad to say goodbye to some of the great APSCUF friends he’s made over the years. As he begins his farewells, Miele advises members that you “get out of APSCUF what you put into it.” You might not always win, but if you’re open-minded and willing to work with the administration, great things can happen, he said. For the incoming parliamentarian, he also suggests proficiency in “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

He said he plans to stay in eastern Pennsylvania, wants to get involved in local charities and help people locally, and also join a classic-car club, as he drives a 1979 Cadillac Eldorado.

—John Danvers, APSCUF intern

Service Employees International Union members prepare to rally Tuesday, June 12, in the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda in support of unions in Pennsylvania. Photo/Kathryn Morton

As workers nationwide await the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Janus v. AFSCME case, APSCUF today stood in solidarity with Service Employees International Union members to proclaim that Pennsylvania needs unions. Click here to view additional photos from the rally on APSCUF’s Facebook page.

APSCUF members and legislators discuss higher-education issues at Legislative Reception Tuesday, June 5, at The Capitol Gastropub. Photo/Kathryn Morton

It’s been an advocacy-packed week for APSCUF members in Harrisburg.

APSCUF members talked with legislators and union supporters about higher-education issues and our 14 universities at APSCUF’s annual Legislative Reception Tuesday, June 5, at The Capital Gastropub. Click here to view additional photos from the event.

APSCUF members flank Sen. Vincent Hughes during a press conference to announce Pennsylvania Promise bills Wednesday, June 6, in the State Capitol. Photo/Kathryn Morton

The next morning, members hit the Capitol for advocacy meetings with their legislators and to attend a press conference announcing Pennsylvania Promise House and Senate bills. Visit PApromise.org to learn more about the plan to make college affordable for all Pennsylvanians who want to pursue higher education. Click here to view photos and here to view a video from the Pennsylvania Promise announcement.

Thank you to all who attended events this week. Want to talk with your legislators about the importance of quality, affordable public higher education in Pennsylvania? Click here to look up your legislators’ contact information.