COLUMN: The view from College Hall

From Andrew Exum's, "Perilous Orthodoxy," Fall '00 From Andrew Exum's, "Perilous Orthodoxy," Fall '00Last night, Penn Students Against Sweatshops got a very nice Valentine's Day present from President Rodin. "I've read your proposal," Rodin started, "and I think you guys are terrific." And as Rodin signaled her approval, a collective sigh of relief went forth from everyone packed into the president's office, protesters and administrators alike. The sit-in at the president's office -- now in its second week -- appears to be nearing an end. Representatives of the president's office and PSAS sat down together around 7:00 last night to draft their initial press release announcing an end to the College Hall protests. "After eight days of occupation of University of Pennsylvania President Judith Rodin's office by Penn Students Against Sweatshops," the release began, "negotiations have brought about a tentative agreement between the two parties. "President Rodin will submit a letter to the Fair Labor Association withdrawing Penn's membership." This agreement between PSAS and the administration represents the best possible scenario for both sides. On the one hand, PSAS gets assurance from Rodin that Penn will withdraw from the FLA. On the other hand, the University gains the cooperation of PSAS, which will now presumably depart its College Hall campground and dedicate itself to working with the University rather than in opposition to it. Rodin, for her part, seems pleased as punch with the new agreement. "The important thing is that we find a solution in the best interest of Penn? and what we have here is really creative and great." What the University wanted in the first place was an opportunity to form a committee to decide on the best course of action -- much like Penn did during the alcohol crisis last spring. PSAS simply wanted Penn to pull out of the FLA. PSAS member Miriam Joffe-Block now says, "We expect that this will happen." Fellow PSAS member Anna Roberts, tongue firmly in cheek, let Rodin know that "if you want any suggestions on what you can put into your letter to the FLA, then we can help." Roberts' remarks drew a big laugh from both Rodin and PSAS members. "I give you my word [that I'll uphold my end of the bargain]," Rodin said, adding, "I find this to be a very significant proposal." So a fascinating chapter in the history of activism at Penn is drawing to a close. Last night, music from bongo drums, singing and dancing filled the hallways of College Hall. But they weren't songs of protest -- they were songs of celebration. PSAS was in high spirits -- hugging, kissing and dancing the night away. They feel secure in their victory and they should. The president's office also appears relieved, secure in its own right with the outcome of the negotiations. Last night, posters supporting PSAS still covered the walls of College Hall. PSAS had become so used to living in the building that duty rosters had sprung up in the president's office, outlining who was supposed to take out the trash and go on juice runs on a regular basis. But the thing that most caught my eye last night hanging on the wall was a set of "Rules and Decorum" put up by PSAS. "Rule #7: Decisions will be made by consensus -- if it can't be reached, we vote." Indeed, by continued shows of solidarity, PSAS members have struck a remarkable victory in the fight at Penn against sweatshop labor. And by sitting down at the bargaining table and talking with PSAS, the University has proven that it can still make informed decisions and trust its most valuable resource -- the students. Both sides should be proud of this outcome. More importantly, both protesters and administrators should go home tonight and get a good night's rest -- in their own beds.