Students and Workers Join Hands to Deliver a Message

At the University of Chicago on Monday, a 13-member delegation, led by United Students Against Sweatshops, visited University President Robert Zimmer’s office to deliver a letter explaining their concerns about University Trustee Joseph Neubauer’s high profile role on Verizon’s board of directors and his support for job-killing corporate strategies designed to destroy the middle class and make executives richer. 

The delegation included CWA members, Jobs with Justice activists, and students. Their letter was backed by students from six midwestern campuses.

While campus police looked on, the students delivered their letter to the University President’s assistant. The letter explained, that,  “Mr. Neubauer’s behavior represents a betrayal of our university’s commitment to ‘freedom of inquiry and freedom of discussion.’”

The delegation urged President Zimmer to recognize that the future of all American workers—including college students preparing to enter the job market—is at stake in this fight and that Neubauer has the power to influence the current negotiations.

The time for waiting is over. It’s time for action. The students and workers made it clear: Neubauer must play a positive role in getting to a resolution or step down from the University of Chicago Board of Trustees.