October 22, 2025
Hundreds of UUP members were among the nearly 7 million people who took to the streets Oct. 18 for “No Kings,” a nationwide protest of the federal administration and its attack on civil rights, education and the rule of law.
In Albany, thousands of demonstrators lined Fuller Road and Western Avenue waving signs and engaging with drivers in passing cars, many of whom honked in solidarity. The crowd was made up of young and old, mostly white faces—people who don’t usually attend protests but made a special effort because they love their country and felt the need to take a stand against fascism and authoritarianism.
UUP President Fred Kowal and statewide Membership Development Officer Patrick Romain were at the Albany No Kings protest along with more than 40 UUP members, mostly from the Albany Chapter. They stood just to the west of the Western Avenue entrance to the University at Albany campus.
Statewide Vice President for Professionals Carolyn Kube was in Port Jefferson while Vice President for Academics Alissa Karl, attended protests in Rochester.
Albany Chapter member Susan Cumings, a UAlbany writing and critical inquiry lecturer, said she came out to the Albany protest in part to represent a friend who is an immigrant and would not feel safe from police there. Cumings said she is concerned about the separation of powers at the federal level, freedom of speech and the rights of transgender and immigrant union siblings.
She was joined by colleagues Barbara Sutton and Rajani Bhatia, instructors in UAlbany’s Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies department. The rally was poignant for Sutton, who spent her early childhood in Argentina when the country was ruled by a dictator. The rhetoric from the White House, especially when the president talks about “internal enemies” is the language of a dictator, Sutton said, and we must stand against it.
Albany Chapter President Paul Stasi said speaking up is a value he tries to teach his students, particularly as more and more racist actions show up around the country.
“There is no arc of history, bending toward justice,” Stasi said. “There is only what you are willing to fight for. It’s a constant effort.”
Further south, Old Westbury Chapter President Annessa Babic marched through Times Square wearing a t-shirt that read “America is an Idea.” She said she felt safer than she’s ever felt at a rally. The police were friendly, and the mood was relaxed as 100,000 people (according to the NYPD) moved peacefully from Father Duffy Square down Seventh Avenue to 14th Street in Manhattan. There were no arrests.
On Long Island, Stony Brook HSC retiree Tina Manning met up with friends. She carried a sign decorated with gravestones bearing the messages: “don’t let democracy die,” “don’t let media die,” “don’t let justice die,” and “keep America strong.” She said they call the spot at the intersection of Routes 112 and 347 in Port Jefferson “Resistance Way.”
“I was impressed because there were a lot of people there – Democrats, Republicans, Independents – who were all there for the same reason, because we don’t like what Trump is doing.” Manning said. “I’m worried about social security, ICE, immigration. Trump thinks he can do whatever he wants with people and it’s disgusting.”
Kathleen “Kat” Kielar, the Buffalo Center chapter president, went to a rally in Williamsville, 14 miles northeast of Buffalo. She said it was a good feeling to know she’s not alone in her fears for the country when on other days too many people stay silent about the job losses on the horizon because of cuts to health care and higher ed.
But Kielar said she was also disappointed there weren’t more members of UUP in attendance at either the Williamsville rally or the Buffalo rallies. There are 3,400 members at Buffalo Center and hundreds more at Buffalo State, Buffalo HSC and Fredonia.
“Now is the time to the politicians know you’re unhappy and you won’t stand for what’s happening,” she said.