The Earlham Student Government Cabinet has met on Tuesday the 22nd of February in order to discuss and reach consensus on our position from the Earlham Fair Wage Campaign. The Campaign has raised questions and explored concerns that are now on the minds of many students, faculty, and staff. The wages paid to our staff, though do not directly affect the student body, the certainly affect the larger community in which we belong. Our Community Code states that "[p]eople at Earlham are encouraged to strive on a daily basis...to enact a concern for a world with justice for every person," and therefore, seeking justice in the wages of our staff members is expected from us, as a community.

            The cabinet has read the "Earlham College Fair Wage Report" and in out discussion, we shared our reactions, opinions, and concerns. We have reached consensus on supporting the Fair Wage Campaign's principle of paying Earlham's employees a fair wage. The Student Government believes it is important to establish an investigative committee, which would involve members from the different sectors of the Earlham community. The committee would have the adequate membership, the sources of information, and the accessibility to up-to-date facts that are necessary to investigate the status of the hourly wages. Due to out lack of the sufficient knowledge to make a decision on the fairness of the current wages, we urge the college to establish the investigative committee that would research the current college budget and wages status, and find a practical, financially sound method to improve the living status of our staff members.

            Although we strongly support the campaign's principles, we have concerns about some of the features of the Fair Wage Policy recommended in the Fair Wage Report. We are willing to engage in further dialogue with the campaign members and the other parties of the issue, in order to better our understanding of the various details of the wages status.

            Student Government would like to thank the campaign members for the admirable work. commitment and enthusiasm toward that noble cause. Please let us know of how we can be of any help or support. Your efforts are greatly respected and appreciated.

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