AAUP backs Abdul El-Sayed, sparking criticism of left-leaning academia

The American Association of University Professors has thrown its weight behind Abdul El-Sayed in his primary contest against Rep. Haley Stevens, describing the endorsement as a response to perceived threats to higher education. Observers point to the union’s recent history of polarizing positions, such as calling J.D. Vance a fascist and expressing support for Hamas during the Gaza conflict.

The decision was made during a July 14 conference call that involved about 40 members from Michigan, out of roughly 4,000 state members and over 40,000 nationwide, raising questions about the representativeness of the vote. Critics argue the endorsement underscores a broader trend of left-wing dominance that erodes public trust in academia. They also highlight the union’s claim that President Donald Trump’s rhetoric forces deeper political engagement, while noting that any Democratic win would serve that narrative. The episode fuels ongoing debate over the role of faculty unions in electoral politics and the extent of their influence within the academic community.