The Student Government of Seattle University (SGSU) released a statement earlier today that supports non-tenured instructors in the university’s ongoing debate on unionization.

The statement, which can be read here, states that the student government “support[s] the results of the adjunct and contingent faculty’s ongoing vote,” and additionally request the “Seattle University Administration to withdraw their appeal of the National Labor Relations Board decision.”

In the statement, SGSU asserts that the possible benefits of unionization––including increased faculty job security and an increased long-term presence and investment in the university––will give students an improved college experience.

According to a recent poll conducted by SGSU, Seattle University students seem to agree with their student government. Of 368 Seattle U undergraduate students who responded to the poll, 60% of students “fully support unionization of the adjunct and contingent faculty,” whereas 8% stated they were “against an adjunct and contingent faculty union on campus.” 14% of students stated they were “neither for nor against a union but also support the result of the faculty’s vote.” In total, 74% of surveyed students favor letting the adjunct’s votes cast decide whether unionization should occur. 

The statement released by SGSU was unanimously passed by the 18-member body last night at their Representative Assembly.