ASPPH Advances Advocacy on Workforce Access and Academic Freedom

ASPPH continually strives to support and lead advocacy efforts that reflect the priorities and needs of our members. Recently, ASPPH joined two national coalitions to advance policies that protect academic freedom, strengthen the health workforce, and uphold the integrity of higher education.

In partnership with the Federation of Associations of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP), ASPPH urged the Department of Homeland Security to exempt health profession educators from new H-1B visa restrictions that could weaken the health workforce. The coalition's letter warns that the $100,000 visa fee would harm access to care and weaken academic programs that train future health professionals.

ASPPH also joined more than 30 higher education associations in opposing the proposed Compact for Academic Excellence, which would impose federal controls that threaten academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The joint statement cautions that the compact would impose federal oversight that threatens academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and innovation in teaching and research.

These efforts underscore our ongoing commitment to ensuring that schools and programs of public health can recruit, educate, and empower the next generation of health professionals. See all of ASPPH's recent policy and advocacy efforts here.