12/1 memo assignment

Jessica Kenia's 12/1 memo assignment

Date: November 28,2000

To: Jesse Rosenbloom, College Relations

From: Jessica Kenia, Public Relations

Subject: Junior Golf Clinic at TCNJ

__________________________________________________________________________________

The college has decided to start a junior golf program during the summer, which will include a two week golf clinic and a tournament. The athletic company, Nike, has offered to sponsor the program. Their spokesman, Tiger Woods, will also make an appearance at the clinic.

The controversy is whether the college endorsing such an event with Nike as the sponsor is ethical. This is due to the current problems Nike has faced in being accused in being affiliated with sweat shops. The college has been weighed the pros and cons of this event and has concluded that it would positively benefit the majority. Here are some of the benefits:

	Having a golf clinic held at TCNJ, will further back up our "college bound" program for inner city kids. TCNJ wished to be seen as a college which supports our city and it’s children within. By having this golf clinic, more opportunities will be allowed for out children.
	This correlates with the college’s mission statement which is "to promotes free inquiry and open exchange in the pursuit of knowledge and human understanding among a diverse community of learners who are valued for their distinctive perspectives and abilities".
	This clinic will also allow the college to be viewed in a more positive nature by perspective students and their parents accompanying them. A student wants a college which cares about it’s students and gives them ample opportunities to learn and grow.

The opposition to this clinic would be those opposed to the college supporting a company which has been linked to sweat shops in the manufacturing process of its clothing. We have recognized this concern and are researching whether this is a valid complaint and whether Nike is taking action in response.

Some background on Nike:

Nike contracts 25 companies in Central and South America and 164 companies in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Nike has production-related employees who regularly visit the factories in Central & South America and conduct SHAPE inspections, as well as full-time Corporate Responsibility Compliance staff who oversee factory compliance. Nike has done much to ensure their employee’s know their rights and are following the Compliance. There have of course been very few incidences where this has occurred yet, has been recognized by Nike and is currently being delt with.

I do not feel that this issue is problematic enough to forego this opportunity, since the college itself is not supporting sweat shops by allowing Nike to sponsor this event. Since Nike is taking responsibility in trying to prevent these sub-par conditions, they are voicing that they themselves do not support these illegal avenues.

The college is doing its part by providing an overall benefit to our children which is our key responsibility. Nike is responsible for their workers, as TCNJ is responsible for its students and community. By recruiting Nike’s help we are accomplishing our goal which will help for the greater good our mission statement sets.