Category Archives: Main Campus

History of sweatshop protests at SU, 2000-2001

Origins

Students who casually wandered through the quad on March 24, 2000 were in for a surprise. Twelve Syracuse University students were riding around mostly naked (some in underwear) on various mountain bikes, covered only by signs. In addition to the signs, some of the riders also had written on their bare bodies in marker. Many of these students represented the Students Coalition on Organized Labor (SCOOL), a group of student activists that protested against unfair labor policies.  When asked about the unique protest, Pat O’ Leary, a member of SCOOL, claimed, “We would rather go naked than wear sweatshop-labored clothes.” Due to the belief that large, powerful companies would skew the monitoring results for their own profit and benefit, students were pushing Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw to join the Worker Rights Consortium. The WRC was and still is an independent labor rights monitoring organization. Under its watch, factory inspections are conducted at random by the consortium, and public reports are given on the consortium’s website. A main focus of the consortium is to inform the public of the true conditions of these factories, and to improve respect of workers’ rights.4 In addition, the WRC serves as an outlet where workers can explain their concerns without the fear of reprisal. Syracuse students favored the WRC because they felt that workers overseas would benefit more from the consortium as opposed to the FLA.

Other Tactics

Prior to the naked bike ride, SCOOL attempted to demonstrate in other ways. One of the first small protests they organized occurred on February 28, 2000. A homemade sign with the words “Sweatshop University” was hoisted up during a men’s basketball game in the Dome, fluttering in the air for all to see. Within a blink of an eye Public Safety and Dome personnel escorted SCOOL members peacefully out of the building. As a result of displaying this banner for such a minuscule amount of time, the message was not clear to fellow students.5

One month later in March, around the same time as the naked bike ride, students gathered together for an organized march and began their way to the administration building. “Keep SU Sweatshop Free, Sign on to the WRC” was chanted in unison accompanied by signs. Getting into the building was not a problem, but a barrier was soon approached. Department of Public Safety officers kept the students from handing a petition signed by 1,200 people to Chancellor Shaw. Instead the petition was ignored and discarded.6

With no further action taken after Sweatshop Awareness Week, SCOOL held a rally on October 29 at the SU School of Law to once again demand the support of the University. The rally served as a warning to the administrators that direct actions would continue to be taken, and featured guest speakers from the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) and SCOOL. Over twenty members of SCOOL preached their beliefs to students visiting SU for a New York Public Interest Research Group conference. The speeches encouraged students to begin to take action and pressure their schools to join the WRC. Floating over the crowd was a giant Chancellor Shaw head 7, as cheerleaders continuously chanted. At this point in conflict, 62 schools had already joined the consortium.

Even after the various protests, a petition that gained the support of SU’s Student Government Association, and a meeting with the chancellor, SU still did not join the WRC. Curtis Rumrill, a student activist at the time, described Shaw as uninformed about the issues stating, “He’s a really good diplomat, very good at not answering questions. He implied that sweatshops are a cultural phenomenon and asserted that we shouldn’t impose our labor standards on other cultures.” SU’s spokesman Kevin Morrow argued that Chancellor Shaw was well informed and concerned about workers’ rights claiming, “Everyone involved in the sweatshop fight agrees on the desired outcome – better working conditions. How to achieve that outcome is still being determined.” 8

On November 30 at 6:30 AM, members of the Syracuse Community Action Network (SCAN) hung a banner across Hendricks Chapel saying, “Wake up Shaw. Sweatshops are the Problem. The WRC is the solution.” SCAN members had climbed scaffolding in place for repairs on Hendricks to hang the banner. It was taken down 4-5 hours later because the group did not get permission to post it.9

Outcome

In early December 2000, an advisory board continued to recommend that Shaw not join the WRC. The majority of the 14-member panel was against joining the WRC due to “…concerns about the organization’s operating budget – $300,000 compared to the FLA’s $2 million – the group’s lack of relationship with the corporations it polices, the quality of its monitoring and its current lack of not-for-profit status.” However, the advisory board did agree to have a representative from the WRC present a different perspective at the next meeting. SCOOL was not surprised that the board was against joining the WRC, claiming that its members only cared about the money aspect of the situation.10

A few months later the advisory board gathered to make a recommendation about the WRC to Chancellor Shaw. Their final decision was surprising. The board advised that the University should join the WRC, and on March 27, 2001, Chancellor Shaw agreed. Kevin Morrow, SU’s spokesman, stated, “The decision was based upon the university’s confidence in the direction of the organization and the organization’s new leadership under executive director Scott Nova. We look forward to supporting the activities of the Worker Rights Consortium as well as the work done by the Fair Labor Association and the Collegiate Living Wage association.”11 Along with the new leadership of the consortium, publicized working conditions of a factory located in Kukdong, Mexico helped to persuade the members of the board. The WRC investigated this factory and found that, “Child labor was used and that’s in violation of Mexican Law.” Along with child labor the factory also “…admitted that they beat, called the workers names, screamed at them and did not pay them minimum wage.” Lastly, the “Workers’ right to organize was not being respected.”12 Although this factory was not currently manufacturing apparel for Nike, they had made collegiate apparel for SU in the past.

This decision made Syracuse University the 76th school to become affiliated with the WRC.13 Shaw also decided to maintain ties with the FLA. Other universities such as Boston College, Cornell University, and University of North Carolina are affiliated with both the WRC and FLA also. “The groups can and should be complimentary to one another”, stated Bob Durkee representative for universities to the FLA board of directors. Syracuse University is currently associated with both organizations.14

 Notes

  1. Steffens, Nicholas. “Naked bike riders protest sweatshops.” The Daily Orange. 27 March 2000: Print.
  2. Arweiler, John. “Students continue sweatshop fight.” The Daily Orange. 22 March 2000: Print.
  3. “Fair Labor Association.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Web. 1 April 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Labor_Association>
  4. “Worker Rights Consortium.” The Worker Rights Consortium. 2007. Web. 1 April 2014. <http://www.workersrights.org/>
  5. Graf, Ashleigh. “Students protest SU ‘sweatshop’ affiliations.” The Daily Orange. 28 Feb. 2000: Print.
  6. Auer, Holly; McKenna, Magin. “Students press Shaw.” The Daily Orange. 31 March 2000: Print.
  7. Arweiler, John. “Students continue sweatshop fight.” The Daily Orange. 22 March 2000: Print.
  8. Arweiler, John. “Students continue sweatshop fight.” The Daily Orange. 22 March 2000: Print.
  9. Rezsnyak, Eric. “Shaw Not Sweating SU’s Sweatshop Decision.” Syracuse New Times. 8 Nov. 2000. HighBeam Research. Web. 27 March 2014.
  10. Rezsnyak, Eric and Allison Self. “SU Cool to SCOOL.” Syracuse New Times. 13 Dec. 2000. HighBeam Research. Web. 27 March 2014.
  11. Rezsnyak, Eric. “SU Joins Anti-Sweatshop Consortium.” Syracuse New Times. 11 April 2001. HighBeam Research. Web. 27 March 2014.
  12. Foldes, Sharon. “Sweatshop monitoring groups confirm violations.” The Daily Orange. 26 Jan. 2001: Print.
  13. Ludden, Peter. “Syracuse University Joins List of ‘Sweatfree Schools’.” The Post-Standard. 5 April 2001: Print.
  14. Fleming, Brendon. “Committee chooses to join WRC.” The Daily Orange. 26 March 2001: Print.

Schine Student Center

Built in 1984, the Schine Student Center was opened by Syracuse University on May 19,1984. The Schine Student Center has been described as a “reflection of the diverse intellectual, cultural, and social interest of the Syracuse University community. It will provide the space for students to gather, along with faculty and staff, in an atmosphere conducive to social, leisure, and educational purposes.” Schine Student Center, often just referred to as “Schine,” cost $15 million and was made with brick and red sandstone. The Student Center was established to be the central hub for Syracuse University’s services, offices, and student activities. Often time student organizations set up tables in the center to promote their latest events. This building is located East of University Avenue between Waverly Avenue and University Place. It was named after Reneé Schine Crown who donated $2,500,000 for construction of the Student Center. Schine accommodates large, medium, and small venues for a variety of events. It has hosted world-renowned artists and speakers such as Idina Menzel, John Legend, Vice President Joe Biden, Cornell West, The Dalai Lama, Spike Lee, and many more.

Offices and Services

Schine Box Office

The Schine Box Office is the only place to purchase tickets for Syracuse University sponsored events except for Syracuse University athletic games. The Schine Box Office is unique in that it allows the general public to purchase tickets to events that are not affiliated with the university such as the Regal Cinema movie tickets. This office sells tickets for Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Symphony, the Syracuse University Drama department, Regal Cinema movie theater located in Carousel Mall, general Student Organization events, and general campus/administrative events. Most tickets are sold at a discounts to Syracuse students who show their SUID cards.To promote closer affiliation between the community and Syracuse University, the Schine Box Office occasionally offers free tickets to local museums and art galleries.

Types of payments accepted:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • MasterCard/VISA.

For more information access

Events Scheduling Office

The Events Scheduling Office provides information and event services to the Syracuse University Community. The Events Scheduling Office schedules non-academic events for the majority of the student organizations. To schedule a location in any Syracuse University building, the organization must go through the Events Scheduling Office to make a reservation. Typically, organizations are constantly in contact with the office to reserve rooms for weekly meetings. The Scheduling Office accommodates all types of groups varying from small teams to large organizations.

To learn more about the Events Scheduling Office or contact information go to

Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public & Community Service

Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public & Community Service is the office that supports public and community service. Syracuse University is able to reach out to the surrounding Syracuse community through this office. Programs include partnerships with middle schools, Habitat for Humanity, and many more opportunities. This office also partners with clubs and organizations that seek to do community service in the Syracuse area. For example, once a week the Office of Residence Life partners with the Westcott Community Center for an after-school program with the local elementary schools. The Whitman School of Management (business school), works with the community service office to provide opportunities for the college’s students so that they can fulfill their community service requirement. ΑΦΩ (Alpha Phi Omega) is a community service based fraternity that solely uses this office to do their community service.

For more information go to

Center for Career Services

The Center for Career Services assists students in their search for internships and jobs. Through counselors and databases, the Center for Career Services works with students to expose them to as many opportunities as possible. The Career Center focuses on bringing top quality companies to campus during career fairs and on-campus interviews. Once a semester Career Services hosts the Career Fair. This event hosts over 110 companies in the Carrier Dome that are looking for new employees or interns.

Orangelink is a online forum that career services runs that allows students, alumni, and seeking companies to come together. Through Orangelink, students may upload their résumés and cover letters for companies to see. Companies also have the opportunity to contact the Career Center to post job listings. The Center for Career Services works very close with Syracuse alumni, local companies, and prestigious companies to build the Syracuse Orange connection.

You can visit Career Services at

Office of Student Life

Office of Student Life (OSL) accommodates the 300+ student organizations and connects the Syracuse student to the Syracuse community. The Office o f Student Life sponsors events such as Homecoming, Orange Night Live, and Pulse Performances. Orange Night Live and Pulse Performances are events where Syracuse sponsors local and famous artists to perform in various Syracuse venues. Homecoming includes a parade, a Syracuse football game, and many off campus extracurriculars that bring current students and alumni together. OSL also controls all of the fraternity and sorority affairs. The Office of Student Life is very important for organizations because this office provides funding for their functions. The Leadership Institute is a program that OSL provides to develop leaders within the orange community. The program include dialogue circles and retreats to develop skills that have been seen in influential people.

For more information about OSL go to

Parents Office

Parents Office is the is the center where parents of Syracuse students can still be connected through the university. The Parents Office sends out newsletters and emails to keep parents informed of the happenings that occur on campus. The office is the first place that parents will contact if that have any questions or concerns that they may have. The Parents Office is very informed to all of the events on and off campus.

For further information go to

Office of Multicultural Affairs

Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is the center where students of color and diverse cultures may find support within a safe space. Student groups, such as Korean American Student Association (KASA) and National Association of Black Accountants, are represented by OMA. The office puts effort into helping students be as comfortable as possible at Syracuse. The mission of the office states “To support and promote the academic achievement, multicultural competence, social development, civic engagement, and retention of students from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups at Syracuse University.”

For further information to what the multicultural affairs office does visit their homepage at

Student Association

Student Association is Syracuse University’s student run government. Student Association or “SA” controls 5 different segments:

  • On Campus Affairs
  • Off Campus Affairs
  • Academic Affairs
  • Student Engagement
  • Public Relations

The members of SA work together to resolve issues and improve the image of the University. SA is the best way possible to get involved and make an immediate difference in issues concerning Syracuse University. Members discuss current problems associated with the university and work to find and implement solutions.

For more information on SA go to their homepage

Facilities

University Bookstore

University Bookstore is the official Syracuse University bookstore where the general public may purchase Syracuse apparel, school supplies, textbooks, and gift packages. The University Bookstore is one of many bookstores students and faculty use. There are two floors at the University Bookstore. The top floor includes Syracuse apparel, a mini mart, a cosmetic station, and decorations. The bottom floor is where books, textbooks, art supplies, and school supplies are sold. To encourage school spirit, the proceeding day when an athletic team wins, the University Bookstore offers specific discount depending on the score.

For more information about the Syracuse Bookstore, go to

Panasci Lounge

Panasci Lounge is a comfortable quiet space where students can study, sleep or finish work. The Panasci lounge (along with the rest of the building) has WIFI and network jacks where computers can access the internet. Throughout the year, the Panasci lounge turns into a venue for Friday and Saturday night events. This lounge is most commonly used as a place where student take a nap in-between classes. Panasci lounge is well known throughout the Syracuse community as having the most comfortable couches.

Ludwig Lounge

The Ludwig Lounge is located on the basement level of the Schine. Like the Panasci Lounge, it is a quiet study space for students to get their classwork done, with comfortable furniture, tables, chairs, wired and wireless internet access.

Goldstein Auditorium

Goldstein Auditorium is one of the largest indoor venues that Syracuse University owns. The venue is a multipurpose space that can house shows, banquets, dances, meetings, conferences, and concerts. The auditorium can hold up to 1,500 people at a time. Many clubs and organizations use Goldstein Auditorium to hold their major events. Many performers and speakers have taken the stage at Goldstein to entertain both Syracuse students and the Syracuse community.

Schine Dining Center

The Schine Dining Center is a nice and quiet dining facility located in the left section of Schine. Popular food chains associated with the dining center are Sbarro and Dunkin Donuts. Many people use the Schine Dining Center as an alternative to the regular dorm food. Although Schine Dining does not take meal swipes, the center takes SUpercard and cash payments. The dining center has been known to be a place where a lot of high status athletes dine.

Schine Computer Cluster

Schine Computer Cluster is one of many places where student can access a computer on campus. Students hustle to the computer cluster to print off notes or papers before class starts. Printing costs $.10 per page and each student is has a budget of $20 solely for printing (included in tuition). Also the computer cluster is used for students that do not have own their own computer and use the school computers. Some classes require students to use specific software that are on the Syracuse computer network so students choose to do homework in the computer clusters.

Jabberwocky Cafe

Jabberwocky Cafe and The Underground are two performance venues for low key events. Both are used for coffee houses, small bands, open mic nights, comedians, and other live entertainment. Notable performers that have come to the Underground are Secret Machines, Sizzla, The Format, Matt Wertz, Gary Jules, Cary Brothers, Straylight Run, Styles P and Mae. Jabberwocky Cafe and the Underground are great places to hold fundraiser events and non-formal events. When performances are not happening, these two places are perfect for casual lounging and studying. Very few students utilize these rooms which enhances the quiet atmosphere.

 

References

“Schine Student Center.” Schine Student Center. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Student Association.” Syracuse Student Association. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Syracuse University Bookstore.” The Official Syracuse University Bookstore. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Event Scheduling Office.” Event Scheduling Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service.” CPCS Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Center for Career Services.” Career Services Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Office of Student Life.” OSL. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Parents Office.” Parents Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Office of Multicultural Affairs.” Office of Multicultural Affairs. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

Holden Observatory: A Short History

November 18, 1887, Syracuse University: Visions of the cosmos flashed through the minds of the students, faculty, and community members of Syracuse as they sat in silence in Hendricks Chapel, listening to plans for the new Observatory. It was a time during which astronomy was still a completely unexplored horizon, a territory unknown. The possibilities seemed infinite to a University that had never pondered such oddities.

The Observatory has been a warrior on this campus. A 126-year-old building, it has stood strong against the daunting hand of time. Both its physical splendor and rich history make it something with which one should want to acquaint oneself. Understanding the individual history of Holden Observatory gives one a larger idea of the type of movement this school has gone through. It is a hidden gem, and even though it is tucked away behind a clustering of buildings nowadays, it stands as prominently on its own plot of land as brightly as when it was first opened.

 

E.F. Holden

Erastus Holden was born into a family of the lower class in Charlotte, NY in 1826. He was described as a hardworking man, and entered into the coal business as a young adult when he moved to Syracuse. He eventually became the Treasurer of Franklin Iron Manufacturing company . A correspondence ensued. The two men worked together in creating something that would foster education and leave a lasting impression on the campus; they named it Holden Observatory .

 

Opening Ceremony

The school was buzzing with excitement on the day of the Dedication Ceremony of Holden Observatory. So much anticipation rose on campus that one freshman claimed “there was no school”. On Friday, November 18, 1887, students, staff, and townspeople gathered in Hendricks Chapel to welcome the new building to the University. Beginning with Responsive Readings and prayer, the service included three speakers: Dr. Simon Newcomb, E.F. Holden, and Chancellor Sims.

Dr. Newcomb, an important lecturer of astronomy of the time, made a speech titled “The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences”. His claim revolved around the fact that even though astronomy was a very small, relatively new branch of science, it still held relevance because of its connections to the history of physics and related sciences. His array of references to past scientists and theories reminded the readers that he was, indeed, a professor. He opened his audience’s eyes to how much is left to be discovered in the cosmos, creating a speech that still rings true in the present day. It seems like one of his goals in speaking such a way about physics was to not only excite his listeners on the subject, but to help them understand why an observatory on campus will foster the minds of the students and surrounding community. The speech closes with less of a factual tone and more of an earnest one:

The knowledge of the littleness of our place in the universe has done more for mankind, has been better for us, than any gratification of our material wants. A few centuries ago the appearance of a comet struck everyone with terror; in the simple thought that we now look upon a celestial visitor with no feeling but admiration for its beauty we have something which more than compensates for all the money and labor we have expended upon observatories and instruments.” . In 1980, the Observatory became a national landmark, which offered it protection and recognition .

Holden Observatory in the mid twentieth century. Credit: Naomi Falk, thanks to Syracuse University Archives

It wasn’t until 1991 that the building was actually . The process was a slow one, taking a couple of days to move the building just 190 feet, moving at four inches per hour. Costing the University $200,000, the building now sits nestled between Eggers, Crouse, and the Law Building on a small clearing

  • Clark, Mrs. Howard. “No Title”. Handwritten note, Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY.
  • Sims, Charles. “Dedication.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 Nov 1887. Speech.
  • Holden, E.F. “Letter to Chancellor Sims.”. Syracuse: 29 Oct 1886. 1. Print
  • Flusche, Michael. “Remarks at Holden Rededication.” Syracuse Physics Dept. Syracuse Physics Dept, 3 Sep 1998. Web. 2 Apr 2013 <http://www.phy.syr.edu/info/holden/holden.html>.
  • Clark, Mrs. Howard. “No Title”. Handwritten note, Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY.
  • Sims, Charles. “The University Observatory.” Newspaper Unknown (written to “The Journal”)(Syracuse) n.d., n. pag. Print.
  • “The Observatory.” Onondagan. (1887): n. page. Print.
  • Newcomb, Simon. “The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 November 1887. Speech.
  • Holden, E.F.. “Presentation of the Observatory.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 November 1887. Speech.
  • Dedicatory Exercises of the Holden Observatory.” Syracuse Supplement” (Syracuse) 8 December 1887 1887, n. pag. Print
  • Sims, Charles. “Dedication.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 Nov 1887. Speech.
  • “Beholden to Holden.” Focus. 1.1 (1948): 10. Print.
  • “Beholden to Holden.” Focus. 1.1 (1948): 10. Print.
  • Photo of Holden Telescope. Kelly, Jane. 1967. Holden Observatory, Syracuse.
  • Flusche, Michael. “Remarks at Holden Rededication.” Syracuse Physics Dept. Syracuse Physics Dept, 3 Sep 1998. Web. 2 Apr 2013 <http://www.phy.syr.edu/info/holden/holden.html>.
  • Milks, Bob. “Astronomy: A Definite Up.” Daily Orange(Syracuse) 13 October 1967, n. pag. Print.
  • Hicken, Melanie. “Recently opened Academic Integrity Office fails to live up to campus community’s great expectations.” Daily Orange (Syracuse) 06 March 2007, n. pag. Print. <http://dailyorange.com/2007/03/recently-opened-academic-integrity-office-fails-to-live-up-to-campus-community-s-great-expectations/>.
  • “The Observatory.” Onondagan. (1887): n. page. Print.
  • Photograph of Holden Observatory. (1970). Syracuse University, Syracuse. Print.
  • “Campus Life: Syracuse; 1887 Observatory, All 375 Tons of It, Moves to New Site.” New York Times (New York City) 20 June 1991. n. pag. Print. <http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/30/nyregion/campus-life-syracuse-1887-observatory-all-375-tons-of-it-moves-to-new-site.html>.