Wal-Mart boycott still has some issues

November 14, 2005 —

Student Association's decision to hold off on voting on a resolution to boycott Wal-Mart was a good one. Although it seemed like many representatives were apprehensive towards making any kind of decision, the resolution as it stood before the House still needed some work done to it to clarify and maybe even change some things.

If it had been voted through, the resolution would have initiated a boycott of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club "until it provides better wages and benefits for employees, it complies with labor laws, and it becomes a better corporate citizen." Just as important, registered student organizations would not be reimbursed for any purchases made at the two stores.

The reasoning behind this resolution is admirable. It is encouraging to see SA attempt to take a stance against an issue larger than one that pertains to just SVSU. It is even more encouraging to see it not only take such a stance, but also take action. It is one thing to say "we do not agree with your actions," and another thing entirely to say, "we will not be providing you with any more business."

However, the resolution may be going too far, too soon. While SA's budget is made up entirely of student money, it does have the right to spend that money as they see fit, so placing a restriction on where it can spend its money is justifiable. Restricting where other student organizations can spend their money, without any kind of consent, is not nearly as reasonable. Several representatives at the meeting felt that matter should be handled school-wide. Some felt a student body vote was in order, while others felt students should have their voices heard.

Students should most certainly have their voices heard in this matter. There are several problems with this view, though. Simply put, SA representatives are elected by us, the students. We students are supposed to elect those representatives that would best represent our views. If SA had in fact passed this resolution, students would not have a completely legitimate beef with it, as recent SA elections have not had the greatest voter turnout rate. Similarly, we students as a whole have proven ourselves to be apathetic about SA elections and policies, so it would not be too unfair if this resolution was voted on without student input.

Regardless, SA will be holding an open forum on Wednesday for students to discuss this matter. Judging on the division of views at its meeting last week, SA will undoubtedly be listening to students' concerns over the resolution. If there was ever a time for this student body to show its empathy for an important SA decision, it is now.