University of Alabama faculty union defiant over post-tenure review despite funding threat

Although the University of Alabama didn't go as far as Auburn University did to comply with State Rep. Troy Stubbs' (R-Wetumpka) House Bill 580, choosing not to reconstitute the faculty senate to comply with the new governance laws that will go into effect in October, the faculty's union representation is upset that it complied at all. "The University of Alabama continues to invite political interference in the work of UA," Sara McDaniel, the president of the UA Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), wrote in an op-ed for The Crimson White . SEE: Senate ETF chair Orr' pleased to see' Auburn Board of Trustees implement faculty senate, curriculum changes "The University of Alabama continues to invite political interference into the work of UA. After the passage of House Bill 580 in April, University administration has rolled out voluntary compliance to this bill. It is voluntary because UA was explicitly exempt from this bill. The new policies require redundant and more time-intensive post-tenure reviews," McDaniel wrote. McDaniel seemed either unaware of or dismissive of the reason both the University of Alabama and Auburn are complying with the bill, which passed at the end of the 2026 session: The legislature controls the funding. State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), chairman of the Senate Education Budget Committee, told 1819 News after Auburn University's decision that the Board of Trustees prevented a worst-case scenario and strengthened the school's relationship with legislative appropriators. "We could have gone to court and litigated and fought, and they could assert their constitutional status, and we could say, you know, well, that's well and good, but on things like this, we still have authority," he explained. "We do hold the purse strings," he said. "The new policies require redundant and more time-intensive post-tenure reviews," McDaniel lamented. "New language was added to allow for subjective termination of faculty. At the same time, President Mohler claimed to want a 'University for Alabama.' Taken separately from all of the previous political interference in Alabama higher education, this doesn't sound like a bad idea. However, UA is not intended to be a university that only serves Alabama." To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected] Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch. Featured Local Savings