2008 Woodie Awards
Concern over Sodexho
Ben Dedman and Atreese Watkins
Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: News
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The seats in Bryan Jr. Auditorium were filled April 24 as students and faculty members listened to seven Guilford students present their research on Sodexho, Guilford's food-service provider.
Another private presentation was given to members of the administration on Monday at 5 p.m. The audience included President Kent Chabotar, Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Life Randy Doss, Dean for Campus Life Aaron Fetrow, and Assistant Academic Dean Erin Dell, who was sitting in for Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Adrienne Israel.
The students discussed Sodexho's corporate conduct, including their stance on human rights, war profiteering, environmental issues and corporate endorsements. They also discussed Sodexho's practices at Guilford, including alleged racial discrimination in the cafeteria.
Sophomore Saron Smith-Hardin, the first speaker, said, "This presentation is made up of quantitative data, first-hand accounts and our understanding of what it means."
According to Judy Harvey, director of interdisciplinary leadership for social change, two of the students received independent study credit for their research, which began in the fall.
"These students weren't content with just being angry," said Harvey. "It is harder to be knowledgeable and prepared than just being angry."
The students addressed Sodexho's human rights record, including a Stop Hunger campaign to eliminate malnutrition in the United States and an $80 million settlement in a class action lawsuit that Sodexho made in 2005 to over 3,400 African-American employees.
"This is important because most of our cafeteria workers are people of color," said sophomore Shaina Machlus during the presentation.
Students raised Sodexho's investment in overseas private prisons as a problematic issue. They also pointed out that Sodexho supports companies that are known for propagating human rights violations: Coca-Cola, known for its anti-union policies and Starbucks.
Another private presentation was given to members of the administration on Monday at 5 p.m. The audience included President Kent Chabotar, Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Life Randy Doss, Dean for Campus Life Aaron Fetrow, and Assistant Academic Dean Erin Dell, who was sitting in for Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Adrienne Israel.
The students discussed Sodexho's corporate conduct, including their stance on human rights, war profiteering, environmental issues and corporate endorsements. They also discussed Sodexho's practices at Guilford, including alleged racial discrimination in the cafeteria.
Sophomore Saron Smith-Hardin, the first speaker, said, "This presentation is made up of quantitative data, first-hand accounts and our understanding of what it means."
According to Judy Harvey, director of interdisciplinary leadership for social change, two of the students received independent study credit for their research, which began in the fall.
"These students weren't content with just being angry," said Harvey. "It is harder to be knowledgeable and prepared than just being angry."
The students addressed Sodexho's human rights record, including a Stop Hunger campaign to eliminate malnutrition in the United States and an $80 million settlement in a class action lawsuit that Sodexho made in 2005 to over 3,400 African-American employees.
"This is important because most of our cafeteria workers are people of color," said sophomore Shaina Machlus during the presentation.
Students raised Sodexho's investment in overseas private prisons as a problematic issue. They also pointed out that Sodexho supports companies that are known for propagating human rights violations: Coca-Cola, known for its anti-union policies and Starbucks.
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