LETTERS: Tuesday, February 15, 2000

UMC backs Worker Rights Consortium UMC backs Worker Rights ConsortiumTo the Editor: The UMC was formed over 20 years ago as a result of a demonstration that took place in the Franklin Building. Our founder, Sheryl George-McAlpine, then president of the Black Student League, was ignored by the University Trustees when she tried to voice the concerns of minority students -- issues such as needed funding for minority recruitment and programs. She was told by the chairman of the Trustees that her voice was irrelevant because "she did not represent all minorities." The UMC exists now only because of this student-led movement in the fight for equality of access and opportunity for everyone. Similarly, the students who were sitting in College Hall for the last few days were protesting for something they believe will impact the University community positively. They believe these are the most effective means to accomplish their goals. While we commend the administration for taking the views of PSAS into consideration throughout this long process, we ask now for swift justice for the sweatshop workers that make the Penn garments we all want to wear with pride. The change of monitors to the Worker Rights Consortium would confirm that Penn is the frontrunner in social justice that it hopes and claims to be by allowing workers themselves to take part in the monitoring process. We believe this University should be supportive of conscientious students who choose to protest in a peaceful manner and we encourage the University to take a proactive stance in protecting worker rights. Jerome Byam College '01 Anita Patel College '01 Archana Jayaram College '01 The writers are chairman, vice chairwoman and political chairwoman of the United Minorities Council. The letter is written on behalf of the UMC and its 13 constituent groups.