The Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA) recently delivered a letter containing over 700 signatures to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor demanding 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave for graduate student workers. Madeline Topf, the co-president of TAA, stated that graduate student workers often face difficulty balancing their academic roles with family responsibilities. To demonstrate their struggles, the TAA circulated valentines with personal stories about their difficulties.

August Brereton, an event attendee and doctoral student, voiced concern over the lack of policies for pregnant students. Following the announcement of the paid parental and medical leave plan by Gov. Tony Evers in May 2023 for state employees, TAA began collecting petitioner signatures and stories of those who have needed paid leave. The stories were shared in a Valentine’s Day protest, harking to the nature of similar demonstrations by TAA in 2011 against proposed budget cuts.

Both Topf and TAA’s other co-president, Nina La Vonne Denne, emphasized the need for conversation with UW-Madison about graduate students’ rights. A spokesperson for UW-Madison confirmed Chancellor Mnookin’s commitment to offering paid parental leave.

If you’re a graduate student and need to understand your rights with regards to paid family leave, you should know how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave. This is a crucial resource for those balancing studies and family responsibilities, providing financial support and peace of mind during challenging times. Check out the website eddcaller.com for more guidance on contacting the appropriate person or department.