We’re telling U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick that cuts to higher-ed funding threaten affordability and life-saving research.

We’re rallying 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in these locations:

ALLENTOWN • 840 W. Hamilton St., Suite 301
ERIE • 17 South Park Row, Suite B-150  IMPORTANT LOCATION CHANGE: In anticipation of inclement weather on Friday morning, the Erie rally has been moved to the United Steelworkers Union Hall at 703 French St. You can enter the building from the parking lot on the south side of the building. Rally still begins at 11 a.m.
HARRISBURG • 200 N. Third St., Suite 14A/14th Floor
PITTSBURGH • 310 Grant St., Suite 2415
SCRANTON • 417 Lackawanna Ave., Suite 303
STATE COLLEGE • 329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 226

We’re rallying noon – 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in this location:

PHILADELPHIA • 2000 Market St., Suite 610
Click here for more information about the Philadelphia event.

Questions? Email and include the location of the rally you plan to attend. Your message will be forwarded to the lead for that site.

Why are we rallying?

• For AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION — ensuring that every student has the chance to learn without the crushing burden of debt.
• For LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH — protecting the groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that strengthen Pennsylvania, rather than allowing national-level cuts to stifle them.
• We’re telling U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick that cuts to higher-ed funding threaten affordability and life-saving research.
• Click here to read the press release.

📝 Click here to read the letter we’re giving to Sen. Dave McCormick.

Media coverage

Pittsburgh college professors call on McCormick to protect student aid, research funding —WESA, Nov. 7, 2025

Protesters urge Sen. McCormick to back federal funding for higher education —Fox 56, Nov. 7, 2025

‘Not something that you fight once’ | Unions participate in Day of Action for Higher Education —The Daily Collegian, Nov. 7, 2025

Students and faculty at over 100 US universities protest against Trump’s attacks —The Guardian, Nov. 7, 2025

Students, Unions to Protest Trump’s Higher Ed Agenda Friday —Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 4, 2025

Resources

Rights and safety at the rally:

• Know Your Rights at a Protest
• Know Your Rights Guide: Academic Freedom and Campus Free Speech for Scholars and Students on Visas

Talking points and general information:

• AFT/AAUP Higher Education: Savings Lives, Building Futures, Powering the Economy
• Talking points: Higher Ed Research Saves Lives
• Talking points: How Cuts to Basic-Needs Programs Affect College Students and Employees
• Fact sheet: Congress’ Reconciliation Bill Will Make Higher Education Less Affordable and Accessible for Pennsylvania Students
• How the ‘big, beautiful bill’ harms higher education
• Increased costs and decreased protections
• Defending Higher Education in 2025
• Video playlist: Higher Education: Saving Lives, Building Futures, Powering the Economy

Stay involved:
Students Rise Up

APSCUF members:
APSCUF members: Push Back for Higher Education (login required)

Watch:

“Higher education matters. Funding research that takes place across universities and colleges needs to be funded.” —Professor Bonnie Green, East Stroudsburg University