In a positive step toward becoming more labor-friendly, the Penn Bookstore recently announced its intent to market and sell an apparel line made with labor standards exceeding the ones currently set by Penn, at the recommendation of the Worker Rights Consortium. The Dominican workers producing the new line will be paid three times the prevailing wages, for instance, and they will also be organized into a union. This change is a welcome and open move. Penn prides itself on being a socially conscious leader, and this is an obvious way of reinforcing that. But it is only a first step. The line, created by Knights Apparel, will be just one of many lines offered at the Bookstore. Penn should take the next step, and actively encourage other Penn apparel makers to raise the bars in their manufacturers' codes of conduct. If not, Penn should simply continue to broker deals with companies who exceed current standards. Going above and beyond expectations is standard at Penn, and should be no different in this area.
Editorial Follow-Up
In a few weeks, a couple dozen lucky seniors will receive word that they've been accepted into the Preceptorials Committee and SCUE's wine-tasting preceptorial. And while most of us won't be receiving that e-mail, we're nevertheless grateful that SCUE is offering the seminar again. After having its budget cut by nearly $3,000 last year because of spending concerns, the Preceptorials Committee was able to evaluate costs and work within its means. We're happy to hear that a little cost consciousness preserved this program for the next year.
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