USC Students Decry University's Handling Of Sit-in, Occupy Administrative Offices
On April 15, 18 students from the Student Coalition Against Labor Exploitation (SCALE) occupied USC President Max Nikias’ office, demanding the university cut ties with JanSport. The student group claims JanSport, which outfits USC students, uses sweatshops with unfair working conditions. During the occupation, students were threatened with suspension, expulsion and revocation of financial aid and scholarships. Students say that administrators also used emergency contact information to call the parents of several students without their consent.
READ MORE: USC Students Protest In President's Office Over Ties With JanSport
"Today, students are returning with three times as many participants to occupy four separate offices simultaneously to demonstrate that they are undeterred by USC’s threats," said SCALE in a press release.
Students are occupying the offices of Vice President Todd Dickey, Vice Provost of Student Affairs Ainsley Carry, bookstore manager Dan Archer and Director of Licensing Matt Curran to urge administrators to tell President Nikias to cut USC’s links with JanSport. The sit-ins will culminate in a rally at 4:00pm at the iconic Tommy Trojan.