Dear colleague,
It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you about the passing of our union colleague and friend William (Bill) Tucker, who died on May 31.
Bill was well known and loved as a respected scholar and teacher in the Psychology Department in Camden. He was a beloved friend and colleague to many, and one of the world’s leading historians of scientific racism, writing four books about how racist institutions and scientists subverted psychological testing.
Bill’s contributions to the union were enormous. He served on the bargaining team for several contracts and was devoted to ensuring the protection of due process and contractual rights for faculty. He served multiple terms as the union’s Grievance Chair and represented dozens of colleagues over the years in the union and university’s grievance procedures. He liked to say that he had a debt to repay after initially being denied tenure and having that decision reversed through a grievance.
Bill brought a great sense of humor to everything he did and conveyed his compassion in a way that lifted folks up during their personal and professional struggles. He was a person who demonstrated his love for the university, its students, and his union brothers, sisters, and siblings by selflessly giving of his talents and time. He will be deeply missed by us all. Our deepest condolences are extended to his wife, Monica.
A memorial service will be held at the Camden Student Center on Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m. Please email Maria Buckley at maria.buckley@rutgers.edu by June 9 if you want to attend this celebration of his life.
In solidarity,
Jim, Jamie, and BJ
Jim Brown, President, Camden Chapter, Rutgers AAUP-AFT
Jamie Dunaev, Vice President, Camden Chapter, Rutgers AAUP-AFT
BJ Walker, Senior Staff Representative, Contract Enforcement/Grievance, Rutgers AAUP-AFT