The Workers Rights Consortium resolution before the Student Senate passed unanimously, meaning that everyone felt strongly about the changes the university needs to make in order to ensure safety around the world.
The reason it is an issue and should be changed is that Ohio University is allowing sweatshops to produce materials that represent all of us. Sweaters, T-shirts, shot glasses or whatever material carries the OU label has the possibility of being produced in conditions similar to a torture chamber. As a student here, I do not want to become an alumnus of an institution that calls for civic responsibility but then does not practice it.
OU President Roderick McDavis has said time and time again that students need to take pride in their community and should want to work for the future progression of that community. Well, the students have answered that call and taken it one step further. The students at OU care for the safety of all individuals around the world and expect the university to do the same.
We have found a way to ensure civic responsibility not only in our city but also within the global community. I find it contradictory that the university officials are lecturing students on how to be civically responsible when they themselves are not. I praise the students for truly listening to the call for responsible behavior, and then being creative in the effort to improve the conditions of the university. That is why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this resolution.
The topic of conversation during the meeting was focused on being up to par with our peer institutions. Thus, by joining the Workers Rights Consortium, the university becomes more appealing to future students helping with recruitment and retention rates. That is a valid point, and is something that needs to be taken into consideration, but is not the soul purpose of this resolution. OU should not be doing this to keep up with other universities but rather to ensure safety and equality.
The resolution asks for the university to join the Workers Rights Consortium because it is renowned for... persistent and progressive enforcement of labor laws and prosecution of violators. A copy will go to McDavis and the Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Walter. I say to them, the students have answered your persistent call and come up with realistic and reasonable solutions. Will you hold up your end of the bargain?
-Brian Footer is the City and County Affairs Commissioner for the OU Student Senate. Send him an e-mail at brian.d.footer.1@ohiou.edu.
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