We, the undersigned, Berea alumni, staff, donors, community partners, and friends proudly support the formation of the United Student Workers of Berea, Communications Workers of America (USWB-CWA). We are calling on you to remain neutral leading up to and during the union election and bargaining in good faith.

We find the union’s efforts consistent with Berean principles and values, particularly the commitment to honor “the dignity and utility of all work.” Our view is that the principle of dignity of labor must also respect the right to union representation and collective bargaining.

As Berea’s alumni, staff, donors, community partners, and friends, we provide critical support to the College and have a stake in this historic moment. When we heard that the Berea undergraduates were organizing a union, we were proud. We believe that through the process of building their union and negotiating in good faith with administration, Berea students will positively impact the College, Kentucky, and any community in which they live and work.

We love Berea College and deeply admire the institution's unwavering support of racial, social, and economic justice. The College is a leader in higher education, particularly among Work Colleges and progressive liberal arts colleges. We ask administration to demonstrate to us, the Berea community, and to peer institutions around the country, that honoring and working with undergraduate labor unions is synonymous with genuine liberal arts education and Berea College’s Great Commitments.