“This is going to establish a trend, a pattern, and a precedent,” Gary N. Chiason, a professor at Clark University, told The New York Times.

"While many undergraduate students may have simply archived the seemingly monotonous email, the six paragraph-long message is an elaborate attempt to cover up one simple fact: BC is siding with Trump."

Members of the union are holding work-ins to attract attention to its cause, with the goal of showing that they are working employees rather than just students.

“Legally, the University has the right to appeal the election,” said Amelie Daigle, GMCAS ’19. “But that absolutely does not make it the ‘right thing to do.’”

A number of supporters of the union organized to do their work, displaying signs on the back of their chairs that read “I’m working on …” followed by their subject matter.

"We are deeply disappointed that your administration has asked Trump NLRB appointees to reverse the very rights of graduate student workers to unionize."

BC has asked for the NLRB to review its decision in granting the union an election.

Administrators said the union had no right to protest on campus.

Once the union selects a bargaining committee, graduate workers will vote on a slate of priorities for negotiations with BC.

"Strong supporters of the union will need to reach across the aisle in order to accomplish their agenda."

The final vote was 270 in favor and 224 against.