University at Buffalo Students Against Sweatshops held a panel discussion Thursday afternoon to discuss UB's relationship with New Era Cap Company with students and several members of the Western New York community.
The panel included Monsignor Patrick Kelcher, Associate Professor of Women's Studies Ruth Meyerowitz, Charles Cobb from the Western New York Peace Center, Roger Cook from the Western New York Council on Occupational Safety and Hazards, and UBSAS member Rebecca Tow.
UBSAS extended an open invitation before the discussion to President William R. Greiner and Vice President for Student Affairs Dennis Black to express the opinions of the university in an open dialogue with students, but neither Greiner nor Black appeared at the meeting.
Each member of the panel explained his or her own point of view on New Era, the sports apparel manufacturer which has come under protest for alleged sweatshop conditions in its factory in Bangladesh and disputes with its workers in Derby, N.Y.
Over 20 clergy have written to the CEO of New Era in an open letter, including the Episcopal Bishop of Western New York, according to Kelcher.
In attendance at the meeting were Christian Oliver and Joshua Korman, Student Association president and vice president, who emphasized their commitment to protecting the students' right to express their opinion.
Oliver said he had a commitment to "open up lines of communication" in the future between UBSAS members and the administration.
