HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS UW OFFICIALS DON'T WANT YOU TO ASK DURING SOAR:
Is it true that the University selectively targeted Latino workers for background checks and fired 24 who didn't provide the proper documents?
Believe it or not, yes! Just this spring the University did a special secret investigation of only those workers with Latino or Spanish sounding last names. Their little witchhunt resulted in the firing of 24 janitors suspected of being undocumented. These workers were providing a valuable service to the UW and contributing to our community. Not only was it totally racist but also sort of stupid. Hopefully, they'll be able to fill all those jobs quick so there's someone to clean your dorm this Fall!
Does the University deny permanent, family supporting jobs to hundreds of long-term employees by unfairly classifying them as only Limited Term Employees?
The Administration tries to avoid taking responsibility for it but there are scads of Limited Term Employees (LTEs) on campus who've worked the same jobs for years but are still denied the benefits of permanent employment. As LTEs, they get l lower pay, no healthcare, no pension, no paid vacation, and no Union representation. Even if you've worked in the exact same job they just keep changing the title every six months so they don't have to make you permanent. So if some of the workers on campus seems a little cranky, it might be because they're getting screwed!
Despite on-going student protest is the University still letting sweatshops make Bucky Badger and other UW licensed apparel?
Oh yah, you betcha'! There's been a ruckus going on about this for years. The University even arrested 54 students while squashing their peaceful 4-day sit-in at Bascom Hall just a couple years ago. And despite all the Administration's public hand wringing and endless committee meetings, the UW is still cashing in on the exploitation of sweatshop workers all over the world! You can be sure you'll be hearing more about this one when you get to campus!
Since it publicly claims to value "diversity", has the University implemented a well-funded, comprehensive program to ensure the recruitment and retention of students of color?
Surprise! The answer this time is no! Despite decades of abysmally low minority enrollment and the Administration's constant promotion of various schemes and plans, they really never end up doing much. Last year, they even used PhotoShop (tm) to stick a lone black face in the middle of a crowd for the cover of a recruitment brochure because they couldn't find any real photos with African Americans in them! How lame is that! The environment on campus for students of color can be very hostile and intimidating and the UW just doesn't seem to get it. People are tired of it and looking to see some real changes this year.
While Madison and the UW have a lot of great things to offer, remember there are also problems that need attention. Get involved this Fall and help work for positive change in our community!
HELP CHANGE THE WORLD
JOIN SLAC
This message is brought to you as a Public Service by the
STUDENT LABOR ACTION COALITION (SLAC).
SLAC is an officially registered student organization at the University of Wisconsin- Madison dedicated to:
SLAC meets weekly to discuss these kinds of issues, develop strategies and organize events. All meetings are open to everyone interested in learning more and getting involved. No previous experience or knowledge is required. SLAC is a completely volunteer run organization with no dues or other membership requirements.
If you support social and economic justice on campus and in the community, consider joining SLAC. This year, we will be involved in a variety of activities and campaigns so there are plenty of ways to help out. You can learn new skills, meet a wide range of interesting, like-minded folks, and make a real difference in people's lives.
To find out more about SLAC. or if you'd like to be added to the SLAC email distribution list and receive notices of upcoming events, email us at slac@studentorg.wisc.edu.
Student Labor Action Coalition (SLAC)
to SLAC home page 8-11-01