December 23, 2004

Richard L. McCormick, President

Rutgers University

Old Queens

Dear Dick:

I am writing to convey to you the resolution unanimously approved by the Executive Council of the Rutgers AAUP on December 9, 2004 concerning contracts the university may have with regard to Coca Cola products. Rutgers AAUP, in solidarity with unions and colleges around the world who are taking similar actions, urges you not to renew the contract with Coca Cola when it expires in the spring of 2005.

The Executive Council’s decision followed a thorough debate, once in which participants recognized the role of other exploitative forces on the world scene but came to the conclusion that it is vitally important for Rutgers to take a stand against the anti-labor practices of this particular corporation. We request that the AAUP be notified of any hearings or considerations concerning Rutgers’ contracts and licensing agreements with Coca Cola and that our union be given the opportunity to present its viewpoint.

Furthermore, Rutgers AAUP has voluntarily chosen not to serve Coca Cola products at its meetings and we urge the administration to do the same.

Yours truly,

Rudolph M. Bell, President

Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters

cc: Roger Bowen, General Secretary

     American Association of University Professors