Issue and Opponent: University students across the country began pressuring their university’s administration after discovering they did not implement or enforce any labor codes with the companies that produced university-related clothing. The University of Arizona students took it specifically upon themselves to rectify this issue on campus. The major companies the university worked with included Nike, Champion, and Fruit of the Loom. The students demanded these companies ensure their workers were being treated fairly and justly. Dilemma Action: Students Against Sweatshops was founded at the University of Arizona in 1997. From 1997 to 1999, this group garnered support across the country as they staged marches, protests, sit-ins, teach-ins, and picketing to pressure the University of Arizona administration and President. An especially humorous and artistic moment in their campaign was when Students Against Sweatshops staged a protest called “Christmas in April.” The protest featured a visit from Santa Claus who, along with several protesters, presented President Likins with “presents” of old Nike sneakers donated by fellow students in protest. Each pair of shoes had a tale of Nike’s abuses attached to them for the president to consider when evaluating the Nike contract. During the protest, the school mascot and cheerleaders performed a funny skit to gain attention and increase participation on the lawn. In addition, 67 students participated in a 225 hours (almost 10 days) sit-in outside of the Likins office.
Outcomes: To end the sit-in, President Likins decided to meet the demands of the students. Likins signed documents that increased workers’ rights in overseas factories. Likins also agreed to meet the four main goals of Students Against Sweatshops. This campaign was part of a larger student activist movement to end the abuse of factory workers.