Univ. of Washington Severs Ties With Adidas After Student Protests Over Workers' Rights

The Univ. of Washington has “severed a sports-apparel contract with Adidas after a nearly yearlong campaign by students, who say the company has violated the labor rights of overseas workers,” according to Katherine Long of the SEATTLE TIMES. UW Trademarks & Licensing Dir Kathy Hoggan said that the contract with adidas “returned about $3,000 in royalties" to the school last year. The licensing agreement allows adidas to "make sports apparel with the UW logo, which is sold in stores around campus.” UW student Katy Lundgren, who is a member of the school's chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops, said, “A large part of this decision was definitely student action.” Long notes Cornell Univ. also has “severed its contract with Adidas, and Oberlin College decided not to renew its contract.” The Univ. of Michigan's $60M contract with the company is “also under review.” Hoggan said that UW's contract with the company is “one of its smallest licensing contracts” (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/28).