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We are writing today on behalf of MPIRG and would like to thank Bon Apptit for serving exclusively fair trade coffee at Caf Mac. Coffee is the second highest traded commodity in the world, second only to oil. Coffee bean farmers have long been exploited and have barely made enough money to feed their families. Fair Trade is a process that ensures these farmers are paid a decent and fair wage and treated with respect. We as consumers must purchase responsibly and we applaud the good folks at Bon Apptit for doing just that. Fair Trade coffee is a good way to expand Bon Apptit’s Circle of Responsibility to small farmers around the world. Having Peace Coffee at Caf Mac is not only good for farmers abroad but also a great way to support a small business local to Minnesota. Macalester MPIRG

On behalf of the Jewish community, the Jewish Community Relations Council commends Macalester College President Brian Rosenberg for condemning Britain’s University and College Union’s (UCU) advancement of a boycott of Israel’s academic institutions. We appreciate that President Rosenberg joined colleagues from throughout the country to stand up against the UCU decision in a full-page statement in the New York Times on August 8. The UCU’s boycott initiative undermines the basic purposes and processes of scholarly inquiry. We are gratified that Macalester College rejects attempts to hold intellectual exchange hostage to the political disagreements of the moment and remains committed to maintaining and fostering relationships with Israeli scholars and institutions.

Sincerely,
Steve Hunegs

Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas