I’m a student at the University of Texas, whose school gear rakes in the most profit of any school in the world. I’m outraged that for over a decade, the university has refused to ensure that our apparel is made in fair labor conditions by affiliating with the only independent factory monitor, the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). Inspired by USAS activists’ sit-ins across the country, today we have decided enough is enough.
For the past two years, along with students and community members, I’ve been politely requesting that President Powers finally take a stand against sweatshop conditions in the production of the Longhorn apparel I wish I could be proud to wear. However, he’s repeatedly ignored our requests, despite multiple student protests – including a “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear UT Sweatshop Apparel” rally, a mock funeral, and comprehensive research reports we’ve given him.
It’s just not fair that our school gives corporations like Nike the right to make UT apparel and profit off the backs of sweatshop workers who can barely feed their families. It’s time that President Powers join with 186 other WRC-affiliated universities, listen to his own students and workers, and affiliate with the WRC.
In Solidarity,
Billy Yates
Students Against Sweatshops at UT Austin
Update: Press – Students Occupy University of Texas President’s Office (NPR)
