A federal court ruled on March 20 that the University of Florida’s United Faculty of Florida chapter and their collective bargaining agreement are protected by the right to arbitration. The decision comes after a legal challenge to a provision in SB 266, a law passed by the Florida legislature in 2023 that banned arbitration for faculty employment disputes and gave university presidents final authority over such matters.
The ruling is significant because it finds that the state law conflicts with the Federal Arbitration Act, which takes precedence over state rules banning arbitration. For now, the order applies only to the University of Florida.
Robert Cassanello, President of United Faculty of Florida, said, “The Florida legislature overstepped its constitutional authority, and today that overreach was rightly overturned. This decision restores a fundamental protection for higher education professionals across Florida – the right to a neutral, third-party arbitrator to resolve employer disputes. Just as importantly, it safeguards faculty against attacks on the academic freedom that our faculty have experienced. This is not only a win for faculty and graduate assistants, but for our students who deserve to attend colleges and universities that are grounded in the right of faculty to teach without political interference and students to learn without fear.”
Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, said, “In today’s ruling, Judge Walker made it clear, Florida’s professors have a legal right to arbitration for contract and employment matters. Every day, Floridians are struggling to pay bills, get health care, and provide for their families. Yet, Florida’s lawmakers have continued to pass laws that undermine the rights of Florida’s workers, including University professors. This ruling not only upholds the US Constitution, but it helps Florida’s professors continue their great work.  It is because of professors at all of Florida’s universities that our state leads the nation in Higher Education. This is a big win for professors at UF!”
Becky Pringle, President of National Education Association (NEA), said: “All students, no matter their race or place, deserve to learn in colleges and universities free from political interference and intimidation that suppresses academic freedom. Higher education is about thinking independently and critically, without fear of retribution. The federal judge’s decision is a step in the right direction and a timely victory for the freedom to teach and learn not only in Florida but in colleges and universities nationwide.”
Randi Weingarten from American Federation of Teachers (AFT) called it “a huge victory for the freedom to teach and learn,” while Todd Wolfson from American Association of University Professors described it as “a major victory for due process” amid ongoing political challenges facing public education.
The broader implications may extend beyond just one university as leaders suggest this could influence similar cases nationwide regarding academic freedom and labor rights.
