University Regent Faces Backlash from Graduate Union Over Campaign Ad

GEO criticizes Acker's claims of supporting labor, citing actions during 2023 strike

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting in shades of blue, grey, and red, conveying the energy and conflict of a university labor dispute through fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes and forms.The dispute over a regent's campaign ad highlights the ongoing tensions between university leadership and campus labor unions.Ann Arbor Today

University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker (D) faced criticism from the Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO) after including images of their 2023 strike in a campaign ad, with the union claiming Acker did not actually support them during the labor dispute.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the complex relationship between university leadership and campus labor unions, as well as the political dynamics at play in the upcoming Board of Regents election.

The details

In a campaign video, Acker claimed to have 'stood with our brothers and sisters in labor' and made it easier for workers to join unions. However, GEO disputed this, citing the university's actions against the union during the 2023 strike, including filing an unfair labor practice charge and seeking an injunction to order striking members back to work.

  • On March 23, Acker shared the campaign video on X.
  • On March 29, the day GEO began striking, the university filed an unfair labor practice charge against the union.
  • In June 2023, the university and GEO settled the unfair labor practice charges each had filed against the other.

The players

Jordan Acker

A University of Michigan regent running for reelection to the Board of Regents.

Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO)

The labor union representing graduate student workers at the University of Michigan, which went on strike in 2023.

Lavinia Dunagan

The GEO Communications Committee chair, who believes Acker is trying to portray himself as more pro-labor than he has been in order to win reelection.

Kaitlin Karmen

The GEO Solidarity and Political Action Committee chair, who said Acker was not helpful during the 2023 bargaining process and strike.

Kirsten Herold

The American Federation of Teachers secretary treasurer and former president of the University's Lecturer Employees Organization, who defended Acker's support for GEO during the 2023 contract negotiations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My sense is that, in general, now that he is coming up on an election … he's perhaps a little bit worried about whether or not he's going to make it past the convention. Our sense is that he's trying to portray himself as farther to the left than he actually has been in action during his tenure as regent so far in order to make sure that he wins reelection.”

— Lavinia Dunagan, GEO Communications Committee chair

“If Jordan Acker had been so pro-labor, we wouldn't have had to go on this prolonged long-haul strike; he could've worked to get us an offer before that.”

— Kaitlin Karmen, GEO Solidarity and Political Action Committee chair

“The sad irony about GEO coming out so strongly against Acker is that he was the ONLY Regent who had any interest in helping GEO get a fair contract, when the strike was dragging out for 5 1/2 months, GEO was getting nowhere, the Board was fed up, and management was getting ready to fire all striking GSIs.”

— Kirsten Herold, Michigan's American Federation of Teachers secretary treasurer and former president of the University's Lecturer Employees Organization

What’s next

The upcoming University of Michigan Board of Regents election will be a key test for Acker's political standing, as he faces a progressive challenger in Amir Makled who has been endorsed by GEO.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the complex dynamics between university leadership and campus labor unions, as well as the political calculations involved in Acker's reelection campaign. It remains to be seen whether Acker's claims of supporting labor will resonate with voters or if GEO's criticisms will undermine his standing.