Berea College students withdraw union petition
BEREA, Ky. – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has notified Berea College that the United Student Workers of Berea–Communications Workers of America has voluntarily withdrawn its petition for a union election. This brings the current NLRB process to a close.
The petition was withdrawn while the NLRB was still considering whether an election was appropriate under federal labor law.
Since coming to Berea College in 2023, President Cheryl L. Nixon has made a commitment to students that they would be seen and heard, holding dozens of opportunities on campus to hear students’ concerns and implement changes. These opportunities include town halls, meals at the president’s house and other small- and large-group forums.
While the petition may have been withdrawn, President Nixon remains committed to honoring students by continuing these open conversations. As a federally recognized Work College, Berea has long incorporated work requirements to enhance students’ learning and to help them prepare for the world of work that awaits at graduation.
“Last year, when we received the petition, I stated…that union organizing is a clear call for change and must result in change,” Dr. Nixon said in an email to campus. “My promise to you is that we will move forward together, as one campus community, to find the best ways to honor our students and their concerns. We can now engage in open conversations about what can be done to improve our Labor Program within the parameters of the Work Colleges Act and federal regulations governing student financial aid.”
Berea College stopped charging tuition in 1892 and provides all its students with financial aid covering full needs as determined by the federal government without packaging loans.
Dr. Nixon said she will now launch a student-centered process of determining action steps for immediate change while gathering ideas for long-term change.
“I am committed to using new forms of connection across campus to build a positive future for Berea, which includes building a future-focused Work College model for Berea students,” Nixon said. “We, collectively, are creating a new phase for the College—one where collaborative, consensus-driven efforts can move ideas into action, confront difficult issues, solve problems, and open up new possibilities.”