AFS News Temporarily on Hold during Indiana University Graduate Worker Strike

As of today, in response to the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition’s decision to strike, the American Folklore Society is temporarily pausing its flow of web news and social media to make visible the essential work that has been performed by our graduate assistants over the past few years.

Since our formal affiliation with Indiana University began in 2015, AFS has employed a half-time graduate assistant, in partnership and compliance with the policies of the IU College of Arts and Sciences and IU Human Resources. Over the years, graduate assistants have contributed in important ways to a wide range of our core work and special projects, and they have also carried the largest share of the burden of posting timely and comprehensive news from AFS and from the field. 

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, graduate students at Indiana University voted overwhelmingly to strike starting today, April 13. The Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition – United Electrical Workers organized the vote and they report that 98% of the students who voted were in favor of the strike. The Indiana Daily Student recently reported on the context for this action.

The AFS Executive Board is currently discussing this developing situation. We will communicate directly with our members as this unfolds and as we learn more.