Georgia campus workers join national protests against federal funding cuts

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A labor organizer from the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council wears pro-union pins to the "Fund Don't Freeze" rally on February 19, 2025.

Credit: Amanda Andrews / GPB News

Members of the United Campus Workers union and their supporters gathered in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to federal funding affecting colleges and universities.

The rally was part of a national day of action to support research funding, life-saving medical studies and education. About 30 people gathered in the cold and rain to voice their support for scientific research and organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Federal freezes are having an outsized effect on academic research, where grant funding often pays the salaries of graduate students doing that work. John Harris is a graduate research assistant at Georgia Tech. He said these cuts are creating uncertainty for many working in higher education.

“I've already known people that have had their jobs terminated without notice,” Harris said. “I know people whose research has been cast into doubt of whether or not they will even be able to continue doing their jobs as they understand.”

Speakers at the rally included representatives from the Georgia Senate and the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council.

Council President Sandra Lee Williams said their doors are open for all workers, unionized or not, as they continue to strategize.

“This is not about Black or white. This is about all of us,” Williams said. “ When you see what's going on in this country, it's a takeover. So we have to decide, are we going to stand up?”

Union organizers delivered letters to Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock sharing their concerns for workers and shared plans for future protests.