Crossing Lines

Right now The Wife™ is standing outside the Art and Design building at the University of Michigan, holding a picket sign. It's not a performance piece; nor is it an art piece. It's simply what it appears to be - a group of Graduate Student Instructors protesting for better treatment by the University.

There's quite a few details, but the gist of it is that they want the University to recognize the lower fraction GSIs and understand that - like their higher fraction counterparts - they do an unfathomable amount of work (teaching, grading, etc.) in addition to their regular classload. What they're asking for is quite reasonable: full tuition coverage and paid health care.

Their union (GEO) has garnered incredible support, including several faculty members. Support also comes from the construction workers working on campus buildings. From what I understand, since they're part of a union as well they're not willing to cross a picket line.

I'm not going to argue semantics (it'd be pointless since I don't have all the facts), but I sincerely hope that she and the other GSIs get what they're asking for. Why? a)They've earned it, and b)They deserve it.

If you're in Ann Arbor near UofM, head over to and show 'em some love - especially if you have a child that attends the University. After all, one of the GSIs on the picket is the one that's educating your child.