Student Letters to President Richmond

Student Letters to President Richmond as of April 3rd:

April 2008

President Rollin Richmond
President's Office, Siemens Hall 224
Harpst Street
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521

Dear President Richmond,

As someone who has vested interest in the University, I would like to state my concern over the use of our University's name on apparel produced in sweatshops. It is my understanding that other universities are participating in a ground breaking program, known as the Designated Supplier's Proposal, that will hopefully bear fruit towards efforts to eliminate sweatshops. I encourage you to join these other universities in promoting the welfare and basic human rights that workers, producing our clothing, deserve.

Even if it were not true that our University exploited sweatshop labor, I think that adopting the Designated Supplier's Proposal could only provide benefit to any worker that suffers under harsh working conditions. Humboldt State University's adoption of the Designated Supplier's Proposal means that we stand in solidarity with workers that are exploited. Humboldt State University often shows leadership and forward thinking with many of our programs and prospects. I feel that a new approach to combating sweatshops must be taken. Let HSU take a new step in social justice.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Second Student Letter to Richmond (May 1st)

May 1st, 2008

President Rollin Richmond

President's Office, Siemens Hall 224

Harpst Street
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521

To President Richmond,

We are writing to bring to your attention the matter of your endorsement of the Designated Supplier's Proposal. As you are well aware, for some time now, several students have been negotiating with this administration regarding sweatshop exploitation. We chose to give this to you on May 1st, International Worker's Day, in order to show our solidarity with those who work in oppressive conditions. Our University has the opportunity to take a stand against suffering, and the opportunity to associate with an organization that has created an effective program to ensure that our University logo will be sewn onto garments that are made in ethical conditions. Humboldt State University is known for the graduation pledge that encourages students to have a strong conscience and a commitment to social justice. The irony is not lost on students when they find out that the school, that encourages commitment to social justice and having an ethical conscience, is the same school that does not participate in the fight against sweatshops. It is within our power to be proactive and to change this. It is in our power to endorse the principles of the Designated Supplier's Proposal. It is a necessary step towards becoming true advocates of social justice. We encourage you to sign the attached endorsement for the Designated Supplier's Proposal.

In Solidarity with the Workers of the World,