No place for commercialism on campus

With reference to the topic of “Commercialism on Campus,” there is a distinction between raw capitalism in the market place and in the hallowed halls of an institution of higher learning. Commercialism on campus represents the antithesis of learning free from the influence of economic interests. A university provides an open intellectual environment to pursue knowledge; it is a haven for free expression and exploration of the theoretical, the development of new ideas and new ways of thinking while learning from the historical perspective. It is about science and the advancement of science. As capitalism intrudes on campus, either in name or operation, the environment becomes corrupted; the sanctity of the school is sullied.

BSU has made an error in the endorsement and advertisement of Taco Bell, knowing full well that prevailing science has determined that Taco Bell products are unhealthy. Unfortunately the image of the corporation and the university become synonymous. Because it is important to retain the sanctity of the educational process and environment, any commercial alliances must first be evaluated and must meet criteria for inclusion.

Corporations merging onto campus through advertising or to sell their products are buying into the huge clientele of students and faculty. Why Starbucks and not a local company? One can speculate that Starbucks has much deeper pockets to buy their way in. If the decision was entirely on working within the community and providing the best price for coffee for the students, BSU would not have chosen to make a deal with the highest bidder. BSU has grown at a rapid rate and needs money to keep up; however, the display of unbridled commercialization on campus does immeasurable damage to the image and substance of BSU.

It is compelling to comment on the assertions of S. Axmaker on “the beauty of our economic system” and “the power to choose.” One example comes to mind that explodes the power to choose myth: wonder why we are not able to choose what we pay for gas? Food prices have gone up– do we have a choice if we need to eat? Is this the beauty of our economic system? There may be some positive aspects to capitalism, but there is a dark side, which includes exploitation and lack of conscience. Failure to recognize this is like throwing rationale to the wind. Be selective and look at the facts.

There are those with greater awareness who choose to make more enlightened decisions. Humboldt State University in California developed this pledge 20 years ago. More than 100 colleges and universities nationwide and overseas including Stanford and MIT have adopted the pledge. The pledge is about future employment and is taken by graduating students; however, it may also be applicable when evaluating the management of a university.

“____________________, pledge to thoroughly investigate and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job opportunity that I consider.”

Lorrie Graves is a student at Boise State University

LORIE GRAVES
Guest Opinion

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