Protest against UT 'sweatshops'

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A group of students, religious leaders and other community members are demanding that the University of Texas take a stand against sweatshops that make some Longhorn apparel.

The group gathered on the campus on Wednesday afternoon to protest UT-logo apparel that they claim is produced in overseas sweatshops, where workers are paid poverty wages and work in unfair conditions.

After rallying outside, dozens of protestors staged a sit-in in UT President William Powers’ office. When the office closed, 17 students were arrested for not leaving.

The activists want the University to join the Workers Rights Consortium.

According to the WRC, more than 180 universities across the country have committed to fair labor practices when it comes to their university-related apparel.

According to the Collegiate Licensing Company, UT generates the most licensing revenue of any school in the country. In FY10-11 , revenues jumped to $25.6 million.