Hundreds of faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago launched an indefinite strike Tuesday after failed contract negotiations. Their demands include fair wages that reflect historic inflation, mental health support and learning disability assessments for students. This is Aaron Krall, a senior English lecturer, speaking at Tuesday’s rally.

Aaron Krall: “We’re also out here fighting for job security for nontenure-system faculty. We have seen universities around this country relying on contingent labor as the state retreats from the financing of higher education. Is that right?”

Crowd: “No!”

Aaron Krall: “Is higher education a public good?”

Crowd: “Yes!”