FULLERTON : Cal State Group Backs Grape Boycott

Student leaders at Cal State Fullerton pledged Tuesday to ban California table grapes on campus in support of the United Farm Workers, who are pressing for stronger protections against pesticides and better working conditions for migrant farm workers.

Members of the university’s Associated Students board of directors voted to prohibit grapes at any event they sponsor and to encourage all other university groups to honor the UFW boycott.

A resolution adopted by Associated Students on Tuesday supports the UFW’s efforts to educate farm workers about the dangers of “8 million pounds of unnecessary toxic pesticides used (on) table grapes each year.”

“We’re trying to recognize the plight of the UFW, “ said Associated Students President Christopher Lowe, 23. “A number of student organizations on campus have made this issue extremely important, and the (Associated Students) is happy to be joining” other colleges and universities to support the grape boycott.

One Associated Students board member, however, opposed the resolution.

“I don’t feel that the (Associated Students) has the right to take away the choice of what other students put in their own bodies,” said David Lamm, who represents the School of Communications on the board.

Russ Jobin, a UFW volunteer organizer, said Cal State Fullerton’s support is encouraging, and helps place attention on the union’s grape boycott as the anniversary of UFW founder Cesar Chavez’ death approaches. Chavez died in his sleep of natural causes in April, 1993, while visiting Yuma, Ariz.

“There’s been a resurrection of support for the boycott since Cesar died,” Jobin said.