AMERICAN LABOUR:
COKE OFF CAMPUS:
The Coca Cola company has, for generations, been associated with dictatorship and repression in what is called the Third World. This is nowhere as true as it is in the country of Columbia. For years now activists, amongst them the United Students Against Sweatshops, have been campaigning for institutions to break their ties with this criminal company. Here is the latest appeal, from SUNY in New York State. asking that institution to cease doing business with Coke. To read more and join this campaign go to THIS LINK.

..................................
SUNY Albany: Don't Sign Another Ten Year Contract With Coke!

Despite the objections of students, faculty, and the entire campus community, SUNY Albany is still maintaining their connection to Coca-Cola. Even though the company has done nothing to address their role in the murder of Colombian union leaders, the university still intends to renew its contract with Coke. Its not too late to change their mind. Call and email President Philip today and demand that SUNY Albany cut all ties with Killer Coke!
President Philip: 518-956-8141
Hi, my name is __________ from __________. I am very disappointed by the University's announcement to recontract with Coca-Cola for another 10 years- there is still time to reconsider. I urge you not to resign the contract with the Coca-Cola Company. The human rights abuses committed by Coca-Cola throughout the world taints the reputation of our University. Please listen to the broad coalition of students, faculty, and community members who are urging you not to sign another contract with Coca-Cola. Thank you.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): President of UAS John Murphy SUNY Albany President George Philip
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: No more coke on campus!
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
I am very disappointed and outraged by the University's announcement to recontract with Coca-Cola for another 10 years. I urge you not to resign the contract with the Coca-Cola Company. The human rights abuses committed by Coca-Cola throughout the world taints the reputation of your university.




The murder of union members in Colombia, the monopolization of water supplies in India, Mexico, and El Salvador, and the operation of a Coca-Cola plant in Darfur (despite international sanctions) are only a few examples of human rights violations committed by Coca-Cola. Your predecessor, President Kermit Hall, set a precedent for ethical contracting by agreeing to sign on to the Designated Supplier Program. University at Albany should continue to make social justice issues a top priority when deciding who to contract with.




NYU, Rutgers, Hofstra and Bard College are just a few of the over 40 Colleges and Universities who have severed major contracts with the Coca-Cola Company. We are now asking you to listen to the over 1,200 students on your campus, not to mention members of the faculty, who are asking you to help restore UAlbany's image and reputation by clearing our complicity and association with such a disreputable corporation.As a member of the university community who takes this issue seriously, I hope that you do the same by NOT contracting with Coca-Cola in 2008.
Sincerely,
Once more, to send the above letter go to THIS LINK.