ASUA rejects resolution against UA-Nike contract

By a 2-8 vote, the Associated Students Senate rejected a resolution last month that would have opposed Nike's proposed partnership with the University of Arizona's Athletic Department. The resolution stated ASUA was against the proposed contract because of human rights violation claims against Nike.

"It's really sad they are choosing not to use the voice they have," group organizer Monica Wilson, an anthropology senior, said about the contract that could bring millions of dollars to the University of Arizona's Intercollegiate Athletic Department

A heated debate was intensified by 20 protesters who attended the meeting and left after senators turned down the resolution.

Administrators negotiating the contract did not attend the meeting.

"We do not have all the information, and we don't have both sides," said Sen. Rosanna Savone. "I am an avid supporter of human rights, but first we are advocates of the student body."

Executive Vice President Casey Cuny said he asked administrators a week earlier to attend the meeting, but they could not send a representative on short notice.

"(UA) President Likins advised the Senate to wait until they heard the whole story," Cuny said.

The resolution would have given ASUA an official stance on the issue, but may not have influenced administrators, Cuny said.

"It would have sent a message, but I'm not sure of what magnitude or what it would accomplish," he said.

Sens. Mary Peterson and Summer Katzenbach voted in favor of the resolution.

Katzenbach said she felt the senators had an obligation to consider issues beyond UA boundaries.

"It's important to work beyond our lives and see what is happening with these people," she said.

Some senators said money the contract could bring the UA would be beneficial to students.

"If we turn away a contract like this, our school could lose some athletic programs," said Sen. Paul Zaragoza. "And if we turn Nike away, our school is going to seek out other contracts."

The UA is currently in negotiations wth Nike to bring $3 million to $8 million to the Athletic Department; in exchange 18 athletic teams will wear Nike apparel.

Cuny recommended that the resolution be tabled or voted down until senators know how students would be affected by the contract.

"I still feel that this is not the place for the senate to vote," he added.

In other business, Associated Students President Gilbert Davidson said the Senate plans to revise and approve the ASUA elections code at its first meeting of the spring semester on Jan. 21.