We, the students of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, believe it to be the responsibility of the university as a place of higher learning to promote human rights above all other agendas. This has recently come under conflict with a recent decision by our university. Support of Russell Athletics, a company that blatantly violates workers rights has recently signed a contract with Louisiana State University. Recently it has come to light that Russell Athletics maintains and utilizes sweat shops spread throughout Latin America with the majority found in Honduras. Working conditions, as told by a former worker, include among other things sixteen hour work days with only thirty minute breaks and sterilization of the workers without their consent. The goal of this coalition is to influence the University to terminate its contract with Russell Athletics.
Another related point is that it is necessary for the university to maintain partnership with the Workers Rights Consortium, a national watchdog group that conducts investigations into claims of worker's rights infringements. Due to budget cuts, Louisiana State University is cutting ties with both the aforementioned WRC and the Fair Labor Association, a similar organization. Over one hundred twenty universities around the country have maintained ties with these alliances and we the students feel that our university should do the same. Through this petition we hope to persuade both the Chancellor and the President of the university to support human rights and dignity even in times of economic hardship.