MIT Police Association Rejects University's 0% Raise Offer
News fromCourierPR · 2 min read
MIT Police Association has condemned an offer from university executives to provide no raise at all for officers in the first year of a proposed three-year contract. The offer, presented to the MIT Police Association, comes as the university's executives are set to receive an average raise of 16.7%, nearly quadrupling the average cost of living increase.
The MIT Police Association represents approximately 42 patrol officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the MIT community. They are responsible for responding to medical emergencies, protecting students and faculty, investigating incidents, enforcing the law, and maintaining a 24/7 presence on campus. Their efforts are crucial to the overall safety of those who live, work, and visit the Cambridge and Boston areas.
MIT Executive VP Glen Shor and Police Chief John DiFava have presented a proposal that demands officers accept a 0% raise for the first year, with no guaranteed wage increases in the following two years. This stark contrast with the executive raises has sparked outrage among the police association. Chief DiFava, who has led the MIT Police Department since 2001, reportedly received a significant raise, but the exact amount is not disclosed.
The MIT Police Association argues that the university's financial capacity should support fair compensation for its police officers. The Institute's endowment reached $27.4 billion in fiscal year 2025, with a 14.8% return. The association contends that MIT's refusal to invest in the safety personnel who protect its community is a deliberate choice.
MIT's marketing of safety as a cornerstone of the student experience stands in sharp contrast to the treatment of its police officers. The university emphasizes its commitment to public safety through initiatives like the Community Campus Safety Council and a fully staffed police department. However, the offer to its officers is described as disrespectful and indefensible.
The MIT Police Association is urging MIT leadership to return to the bargaining table with a fair and respectful offer that reflects the critical role officers play in keeping the campus safe. They argue that the current proposal undermines the value the university places on the work of its police officers.
"The offer is not only disrespectful but also indefensible," said a spokesperson for the MIT Police Association. "MIT has the financial resources to fairly compensate its police officers. Their work is essential to the functioning of the campus, and it is unjust to offer them a 0% raise while executives receive double-digit increases."
The MIT Police Association's stance highlights the ongoing tension between the university's emphasis on safety and its treatment of those who provide it. The offer is seen as a test of MIT's commitment to its police officers and the safety of its community.
The MIT Police Association's demand for a fair contract comes as thousands of students return to campus this week, many living away from home for the first time. The safety and well-being of these students are a top priority, and the offer to police officers sends a message about how seriously the university takes that responsibility.