Let us synthesize the need to feel "secure" with a dedication to Human Rights

At Boise State University there is a growing tension between the administration and the students/faculty/alumni over the financial contribution offered by Taco Bell, a corporation known for its disregard of migrant farm worker's human rights. Here, I would like to stay true to the "mission" of my blog and through these questions, request/suggest a different vision on this issue.

Regarding the Taco Bell financial contribution and the Taco Bell Arena,
I pose the following questions for further consideration:

1. Has the administration considered seeking financial contributions from corporations that actively support and promote human rights, worker rights and environmental responsibility? If not, why? If so, what has been the response and what can we do as a community, a University, and individuals to gather such contributions in the place of the one from Taco Bell?

2. Should this University decide, as Mary Robinson suggested, to take a stand on the side of human rights and worker rights, and refuse this particular contribution, could it not seek financial support from foundations such as the Carr Foundation or others that center their mission in protecting and promoting such rights?

3. Since students, alumni and faculty have voiced such considerable protest surrounding the Taco Bell/Yum Foods contribution, are the students and community partners willing to make up for the loss or offer an alternative to this funding? One way might be to increase student tuition in support of worker rights since our fees are raised every year already to balance the lack of federal/state funding.

4. Is there reason to believe that the University refusal of the Taco Bell contribution would encourage that corporation to change its practices and perhaps develop a future relationship with BSU as a result of such divestment? This question attempts to understand/comprehend and critique the statement that to refuse such offers would threaten future corporate investments.

5. If the University chose to embrace and channel this protest energy into something positive and mutually beneficial to the students, faculty, administration and community at large, would that not set a new standard for universities nation-wide?

Boise State could put itself on the map as being the university that not only listens to its students and faculty but also is a proactive leader in building ethical financial relationships that demand the same high standards from corporate partners as it does from its students and faculty. I would love to see this University set such an example. Doing so could not only open new doors and establish new relationships with other organizations but also attract the best and the brightest students and faculty who mirror a concern and dedication to the preservation of rights and ethical business practices. This is one instance in which I would not only welcome the raising of my tuition fees, but be even more proud to call myself a student from Boise State and more likely to recommend this University to prospective students. I believe the administration stands at a crossroads, with an incredibly difficult choice to make. I hope with the greatest sincerity that it will choose the ethical choice over whatever temporary security that siding with Taco Bell seems to provide.

Let us synthesize the need for 'security' with a dedication to human rights, one that is not altered in the face of financial threat, but strengthened by it. I believe that this is both possible and pragmatic and offers a chance for a change that is well overdue. peace!