By Brian Kalkbrenner
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 20, 1998

Likins sold our souls to Phil Knight

To the Editor

Recently, Peter Likins gave his approval for negotiations between the UA and the now notorious Nike corporation, proudly announcing that any contract will include an escape clause which nullifies the contract if Nike is found to abuse its workers. I'm sure he fancies himself a responsible leader; after all, he ventured all the way to Oregon, to meet with the honest Phil Knight, CEO of Nike. However, were Dr. Likins truly responsible, he would have realized that his new clause has already been broken, numerous times. By giving his blessing to the negotiations, Likins agrees to avert his eyes from the well documented evidence of human rights abuses.

Dr. Likins handled the Nike issue with all the grace of a newborn calf trying to stand. His research was reckless, relying on one source for his conclusion. If he had consulted anyone in the law school, he would have learned that NEVER would a court of law rely solely on the word of the defendant, as Likins did in trusting Knight's word that Nike is clean. Furthermore, Dr. Likins refused to meet with concerned students, despite their numerous requests.

Likins had the chance to make a difference. He could have taken a stand against abuse and sent a strong message to the Nike company. However, like so many other university leaders, Likins left his spine at home when he visited Oregon.

Without consulting concerned students, Likins sold the university's, the community's, and-most importantly-the students' dignity. While he was out prostituting our billboards, er, athletes, he managed to lose the respect of many. It's a shame that integrity isn't rewarded with cash. Perhaps then Dr. Likins would go in search of some.

Dr. Likins' cowardice has made me embarrassed to be a part of this university. I believe I speak for others when I say that I no longer have confidence in Likins as a leader, nor respect for him as a representaitve of this university or its students.

Brian Kalkbrenner
Creative Writing/American Literature Sophomore