House OKs ban on unions for university faculty

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota House on Tuesday passed a proposal to get rid of the faculty union at the state's public universities.

The Senate passed the proposal last week. It also has the support of Gov. Kristi Noem, meaning it appears inevitable that the faculty union will soon be eliminated. The union argues that the ban will threaten academic freedom and the competitiveness of the state's university system, which employs about 1,400 faculty members across six universities.

Republican lawmakers brought the proposal, arguing that it would allow universities to adapt to tight budgets. They pointed to several other states, including Texas, Wisconsin and North Carolina, that have banned faculty unions but have renowned universities

The debate has centered on the union’s opposition to the hiring of “professors of practice” — teachers who do not have advanced degrees but bring work experience to university classrooms.

Opponents have argued that the ban could have far-reaching effects and eventually threaten academic freedom and job protections like tenure.

Rep. Ray Ring, a Democrat from Vermillion and retired University of South Dakota professor, said he has heard from faculty members who said the proposal may prompt them to look for jobs outside the state.

Ring pointed out that states like Texas and North Carolina with faculty union bans have also invested heavily in their university systems.