The University announced Tuesday that it has created an apparel task force comprised of five faculty members, one student representative and one staff member to study if clothing manufacturers are adhering to UH’s code of labor.
During recent demonstrations, students asked Khator to sign the Designated Suppliers’ Program, a program with the Workers’ Rights Consortium that some students say would ensure UH apparel workers have good working conditions.
"The just-announced creation of the Apparel Task Force will be reviewing concerns raised the Students Against Sweatshops and recommending a course of action for (Khator) to consider," Gerber said.
Student organizations say they are working to provide apparel workers with fair working conditions and are looking to receive administration support through UH President Renu Khator’s 100 Days Survey.
"(We) hand delivered two letters, one the first week of class and one several weeks later both times requesting an appointment," Ross Barnard, a member of Students for Fair Trade, said. "The first time we spoke with Khator’s executive assistant Theresa Singletary. She assured us we would receive a reply (but we) still (have) no reply."
After a third attempt, Students for Fair Trade then delivered a six-foot tall cardboard coffee cup and a stack of documents stating their concerns to Khator’s office on March 3. The group was directed to Vice President of Academic Affairs Donald Foss.
Students for Fair Trade member Timothy O’Brien said he is continuing to request meetings with Khator.
"Thus far our experience with Dr. Khator’s 100 Day program is unsatisfactory," O’Brien said. "There is no point in her staff referring us to another staffer six weeks after our request and then not be able to get an appointment."
O’Brien, who is also the founder of the UH chapter of Students Against Sweatshops, requested a meeting with Khator. He was directed to Vice President for Student Affairs Elwyn Lee.
"(Lee) wasn’t prepared at all. He had everything in writing beforehand, and we had to pretty much sit down and read him everything," O’ Brien said.
University spokesman Eric Gerber said Khator is more than willing to meet with social issue groups or students in general.
"From day one of her administration, she has made hearing from and interacting with students – individually and in groups – one of her priorities," Gerber said. "Support suggests she agrees with their objectives, and that may not necessarily be the case. But she is certainly committed to giving legitimate concerns a fair hearing."
Some students said they are satisfied with the way Khator has reached out to the student body.
"I sent a letter to the new president after leaving the financial aid office angry," art history junior Roxanne Werner said. "I wasn’t expecting a reply, but she replied within hours. I was shocked to say the least."
With the 100 Day Survey passing its halfway point, Gerber said he feels that attention on Khator will continue to grow.
"President Khator’s appointment in general has generated an impressive amount of media interest and, beyond that, her 100 days campaign is receiving – and will likely continue to receive – a good deal of specific attention," he said.
Additional reporting by Brent Essmyer, John-Michael Haines and Eli Jabbe
