University of South Florida Union Secures New Protections for International Students: What It Means for You

Tampa, FL – On July 10, Graduate Assistants United (GAU) met with representatives from the University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees. This marked their seventh round of discussions regarding the union’s contract. A key concern for many members is the safety of international students.

In these negotiations, they agreed on nine articles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. One important addition is a nondiscrimination clause that covers gender identity, sexual orientation, and immigration status.

Concerns have risen on campus after the USF Police Department began cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) task force model. With this move, campus police can assist in detaining and deporting immigrants, which raises alarms for graduate assistants who teach at the university.

GAU is advocating for stronger protections for immigrant students, who represent a significant part of the USF community. They aim to ensure that these students feel safe and supported while studying in a new country.

Another agreement reached was on improving the online Title IX complaint system, allowing users to select multiple protected classes for better representation.

GAU also pushed for a new article to streamline payment processes for graduate assistants. In 2025 alone, 47 cases of payment issues were reported, with some graduate assistants going weeks without pay. This delay affected their ability to pay rent, leading to significant stress. GAU’s Membership Chair, Morgan Amick, stressed that this situation reflects a larger systemic issue.

These negotiations have seen their challenges. In previous meetings, USF representatives showed a lack of respect by arriving late and extending discussions unnecessarily. This has frustrated GAU members who are eager to reach a fair agreement.

Looking back, the history of labor negotiations in academic settings often reflects a broader struggle for equitable workplace conditions. Over the years, unions have continually fought for better rights and protections for workers in education, echoing similar battles in various industries. In recent years, labor actions in education have surged across the country, highlighting the pressing need for fair treatment and compensation for educators and assistants alike.

The next bargaining session is scheduled for July 17 at 1 p.m., where both sides hope to continue making progress.

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