Michael Pond

12-1-00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information Contact:

Michael Pond

( 555)-555-5555

DECEMBER 1, 2000-EWING, NJ…Three anti-sweatshop activists interrupted a public relations meeting where students were discussing the possibility of hosting a NIKE-sponsored junior golf tournament in June, 2001 in Trenton. The activists refused to leave the meeting until their message was heard even though meeting coordinator Kim Pearson continually asked them to halt their talks.

Janet Gray, a Women’s and Gender Studies Professor and the leader of the group, said that if NIKE sponsors the tournament, the result would be a, "Public relations nightmare for the college."

The public relations team initially seemed in favor of the tournament because of the possible economical and social benefits of it may bring. They felt an event such as this would benefit the city of Trenton, The College of New Jersey, and the children of Trenton.

However, Gray introduced the bad that will come if the college supports this event. With NIKE sponsoring the tournament, the issue of sweatshop labor comes into play due to the unveiling of these sweatshops in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia in the past decade.

Gray explained that Nike’s use of sweatshop labor violates a person’s right to "freedom, security, and safety." She said that TCNJ could use alternate means to fund such an event. Examples included are The Coalition of Socially Responsible Athletes and Hollywood Against Sweatshops.

The majority of the public relations committee agreed NIKE should fund the program because this sponsorship will help them run an event to contribute elements of their mission statement and it will show Trenton and The College of New Jersey in a good light.

However, The committee is taking the threats of protest and the possibility of using alternate means to run the tournament under consideration.

The College of New Jersey provides academically prepared students with a challenging undergraduate education and a rewarding residential experience, small classes and a prestigious faculty. TCNJ has been recognized nationally for its excellence including in U.S. News and World Report, The Fiske Guide

to Colleges, Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges, Peterson’s Competitive Colleges and as a "Top Ten Best Buy" every year Money magazine published its survey. The College of New Jersey is located on 289 tree-lined acres in suburban Ewing, NJ.