Ohio University student Ryan Scollard spoke to the Independent at “Rally on the Green.” held at College Green in Athens, Ohio, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. Scollard said he happened upon the gathering, which was held in support of OU faculty’s unionizing efforts, and decided to pick up a sign. “I take my education very seriously,” he said. “For [the faculty] to have a fair shot at getting what they deserve, every day. Only evens out for us as students.” Photo by Leah Nairn.
‘Rally on the Green’ galvanizes OU faculty union effort
ATHENS, Ohio – United Academics of Ohio University held “Rally on the Green” on Wednesday, the organization’s first “large action” event of the fall semester.
In March 2025, faculty voted to unionize after years of organizing but have yet to receive a fair contract. The Sept. 9 action was an effort to bring continued awareness and garner support as a new semester begins.
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, speaks to the crowd during the “Rally on the Green,” held at Ohio University’s College Green in Athens, Ohio, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. Through the mega phone, Melissa told the crowd, “Faculty conditions are student learning conditions!”Tess Warren, a member of Ohio Student Action, chants along with the crowd during “Rally on Green,” held at Ohio University’s College Green in Athens, Ohio, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. Tess, who spoke to the crowd, said she’s seen the stress this issue has on the faculty and staff at Ohio University. “I feel it in the energy, in the classroom, and the ability of the amount of time that they’re able to give me. I don’t want a professor whose full time job is to teach me, and then they have to go home and work somewhere else,” Warren said. Photo by Leah Nairn.
