Dr. Murgel,
I'm not sure whether or not you are still a part of the Faculty Senate at BoiseState, but I guess you are the only avenue of which I know of how to express an opinion and possibly have it be heard. Please do with this email what you like, but it is my way of expressing an opinion andwhether or not it falls upon deaf ears is up to you. Also as a graduate of the University and a dues paying member of the Alumni Association I feel that one of my personal interests in the institution is being challenged.
I have strong feelings about the name of the former Pavilion being changed to Taco Bell Arena. I personally think it is an opportunity for the University to grow in a very diverse way. While I do not know exactly how the sponsorship is broken down, I do feel that I am slightly more educated on the subject than your 'Average Joe.' In stating that, I also feel that the claims against the University for "supporting a corporation who persecutes farm workers is somewhat unnecessary. I have only a few arguments supporting my statement.
Taco Bell (and its franchise owners)is not the only corporation who thrives on farm workers living in substandard living conditions. In fact, it would be safe to say that over 95% of the farms in this country have workers who are living in what could be considered "substandard conditions." This is and should not be blamed on the owners of the farms. The blame should be placed on the federal government who has driven the market prices on almost every domestic crop so low that without subsidies the farmers themselves couldn't afford to run a farm. Having family who is involved in the farm industry I have seen this first hand. In fact, without the large number of illegal aliens in this country, farming would be nonexistent in the United States.
Subsequently, if the University is supposed to disengage itself from donations from Taco Bell shouldn't it refuse advertising from other restaurants that use any products originated on farms? Does this mean BoiseState should refund the advertising dollars brought in fromCarl's Jr., The RAM, Buster's, Cobby's and on down the list? It is reasonable to say that they are receiving products from farms that have workers living in "substandard conditions." I know this argument might seem somewhat radical in theory, but it is my opinion that the opposition's request to have theTaco BellArena renamed somewhat radical. Perhaps the San Diego Padres should reconsider the naming of their new baseball stadium, PetcoPark, because workers on cattle yards, where some pet food is derived, are underpaid.
Furthermore, if BoiseState does ultimately reject the naming rights of Taco Bell Arena, what kind of message is it sending to all future sponsorship possibilities? Is it saying that, "The University shall only accept donations from entities that only have squeaky clean political images."? This will cause many corporations to 'second-guess' donations to the school, stunting its growth in a society where corporate sponsorships are a necessity to provide a reasonably priced, quality education as well as a nationally competitive athletics department.
If you haven't hit the delete button already, you have made it through my concerns regarding this issue. I would also like to thank you for the time out of your busy schedule by reading this. I hope your school year is going much easier than when I was enrolled in your class.
Jason Logan, E.I.T.
Transportation Design Engineer
CH2M HILL