Ohio University released a statement Monday supporting the use of technologies produced without minerals from conflicted areas, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This statement is a product of the ad hoc committee for socially responsible practices, which was formed by OU President Roderick McDavis in March.
“This statement is a reminder to us all that we need to urge best efforts with our suppliers and ask them to examine supply chains and use only verifiably Congo sourced conflict-free materials,” McDavis said in a news release.
Bobcats for a Conflict-Free Campus, a sub-group of STAND Against Genocide, campaigned for more than 20 months for the university to release such a statement.
“It’s a big step for the university,” said Jack Spicer, co-president of Bobcats for a Conflict-Free Campus. “We can take further, more concrete steps. But as of right now, it’s really inspiring to see an organization have a powerful voice and take serious minded steps in this investment.”
The Conflict-Free Campus group also would like the university to change its procurement and shareholder resolution policies to favor companies to manufacture products with clean minerals.
However, there are few ways to be sure that the electric companies are producing technologies with “clean minerals.”
“We understand that today, information about supply chains may be difficult for electronic companies to come by,” said John Biancamano, head of the ad-hoc committee. “But by making it clear that universities are making these purchases, hopefully they will do a little more research and encourage these companies not to buy minerals from these terrorist groups.”
However, some companies are seeking change. Motorola Solutions Inc., a company that produces communication devices, is exploring ways to create products without using minerals from conflicted areas through an initiative called the Solutions for Hope Project, according to its website.
Motorola Mobility LLC. has also decided to pursue making products with “clean minerals,” which come from non-conflicted areas. The company is forcing its providers to “disclose banned, controlled and reportable substances as well as recycled material content,” according to its website.
OU is the third school in Ohio to support the initiative, along with Oberlin College and Ohio State University.
sj950610@ohiou.edu
