To the editor:
In the article "Apparel Task Force issues report" (Tuesday, News), the lone student Task Force member, Student Government Association Sen. Steven Quezada, is quoted saying, "the Designated Supplier Program is an organization that wants to extend control over manufacturers."
This is incorrect. The DSP is not an organization; it’s a proposed program. Forty-five top schools (Tier 1 and Ivy League) are DSP members and comprise a group that is working toward implementing the proposed DSP. DSP member schools have never said they want "to extend control over manufacturers." In fact, the DSP states, "licensees may bring any factory they choose into the program, provided the factory can demonstrate compliance with the program’s labor standards." More information on the DSP can be found at www.workersrights.org/dsp.asp†
Also, in the article "Students express concern over Khator’s refusal to sign DSP" (Monday, News), Sarah Krusleski erroneously reported UH President Renu Khator’s statement to faculty and staff included "declining the Student Government Association’s proposal to sign on to the Designated Suppliers’ Program." Khator’s statement was actually in response to the Apparel Task Force report. The SGA’s bill, not proposal, has yet to be addressed by Khator.
The University Coordinating Commission sent an e-mail on April 14 that showed the Faculty Senate and Staff Council had no objections to signing the DSP or affiliating with the Worker Rights Consortium. Khator has not replied to the UCC or made any statements about the shared governance system that is in place at the University.
Students Against Sweatshops will make a detailed reply to the Task Force report and Khator’s response at our press conference in the near future.
Brittany Keele
English junior
Editor’s note: Khator did not decline the Student Government Association’s bill to sign on with the Designated Suppliers Program, but she accepted the recommendation of the Task Force to not take any action with respect to the DSP. See clarification on Monday’s story.
