Brandeis’ chapter of the American Association of University Professors has called upon the University to end its relationship with Enterprise Rent-A-Car by May 1, 2026. Their petition explains that “Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the primary provider of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s] ICE’s vehicles, and is also a Brandeis preferred vendor.” The connection between Brandeis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car arises from the University’s membership in E&I Cooperative Services, which is a member-owned nonprofit service for higher education institutions founded with the intention of cutting unnecessary costs. AAUP is collecting signatures for a petition that urges the University to demand E&I cut ties with Enterprise. E&I would be forced to find a different car rental service, one that hopefully aligns with the social justice values held by the professors of AAUP and the signatories of the petition. Organizations such as Sisters of Social Service have been cutting ties with Enterprise since October of 2025. Notably, the petition does not ask Brandeis to yield its membership in E&I, which has given Enterprise business from all of its members who require a car rental service. 

In a statement from the AAUP, the group asserted that ceasing  business with Enterprise is a “powerful way to join our colleagues across the country.” E&I has over 6,000 members and offers contracts with over 250 companies for a multitude of services an institute of higher education might need. However, Enterprise is the only company offered by E&I that provides a car rental service. If members of E&I wish to benefit from their membership and need car rental services, the 6,400+ members have no choice but to use Enterprise Rent-A-Car. 

As of March 23, the petition, which is open to all Brandeis students, faculty and staff, has collected 427 signatures out of its 800-signature goal. The AAUP chapter that initiated the petition is a members-only organization that is unavailable to undergraduate students. Membership qualifications between chapters may vary, but within the Brandeis chapter it is available to professors, other staff, postdoctoral students and graduate students. 

AAUP is a self-governed union devoted to maintaining a high standard of higher education and academic freedom within the United States. The Brandeis chapter of the AAUP’s executive committee is governed by Prof. John Plotz (ENG), who serves as the president, and Prof. Albion Lawrence (PHYS), who serves as the secretary treasurer.