Montana Grizzlies Sports, Football and Basketball : Grizzoulian

Hacky sack, ultimate frisbee and not bathing have yet to become varsity sports but the UM lefties did manage one victory in a somewhat athletic related realm. The UM group Students for Economic and Social Justice has convinced the University administration to join the Workers' Rights Consortium in an effort to prevent Griz Gear from being made in sweatshops.

“This is a momentous step for UM,” said Sam Schabacker, a newly minted UM graduate and organizer of a March rally where more than 100 students danced and chanted at President George Dennison's office and demanded the university align with the consortium.

“Now, because of the university's affiliation with the Workers Rights Consortium, UM will receive reports about where the Grizzly Gear comes from and what the working conditions are for the workers who make these products,” Schabacker said.

Interestingly, this article from the Montana Kaimin, that "dance-in" was conducted by twenty five students while President Dennison was absent. With such serious and strategic means of negotiation, it's easy to see why Dennison & Co. came around.

Also important is the fact that joining the Workers Rights Consortium doesn't mean we'll stop having apparel that may or may not be made by workers under poor conditions. Ohio State is part of the WRC and they still had Nike put together these gems.

Joining the WRC simply means we'll get reports on where Griz Gear is made. Every time I go to an ATM I get a receipt -- which I rarely look at -- with my balance but that doesn't mean I'll change what I spend.