UWM-L&S: Faculty Document No. 583

College of Letters and Science Faculty Document No. 583
February 8, 2001

Resolution Endorsing the Global Sullivan Principles

At the request of the Chancellor, the Committee on Committees presents for consideration by the L&S Faculty a resolution endorsing the Global Sullivan Principles.

Resolution:

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has committee itself to the pursuit and protection of human rights, and

Whereas, the Global Sullivan Prinicples represent a succinct embodiment of UWM's commitment to human rights,

Be it resolved, therefore, that the Faculty of the College of Letters and Science at UWM hereby endorses the Global Sullivan Principles, to the extent that the Principles do not conflict with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

The Impact of Endorsing the Global Sullivan Principles

Through a series of declarations, the Global Sullivan Principles (GSP) promote non-discrimination and cultural diversity, freedom of association, and the right to pursue fair and sustainable economic growth, as well as personal and environmental safety. In other words, the GSP represent a summary of certain socio-economic human rights.

In reality, a plethora of laws already "on the books" require the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) to do far more than simply support concepts of equal treatment, economic advancement, and health and environmental safety. These laws include the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Regulations, patent and copyright laws, various environmental laws, EPA and OSHA regulations, and salary and wage statutes, to name just a few. In fact, federal and state laws mandate that UWM undertake specific activities that promote the ideals informing the GSP, and those laws allow the sanctioning of the University for failure to do so.

By contrast, the GSP does not require institutions endorsing the principles to undertake any specific activity or to pursue the institution's mission in a particular manner. Indeed, neither Reverend Sullivan nor any entity associated with the GSP monitors or regulates compliance with the GSP.

In short, endorsement of the GSP does not create any additional legal obligations for UWM. Instead, endorsement represents a very public and very clear statement in favor of global human rights, not because we must as a matter of law, but because by joining those who already have done so, we strengthen the call for an international commitment to resolving human rights issues.

To be sure, individuals or organizations, both internal and external to UWM, will use our endorsement of the GSP to advance a particular agenda, despite the fact that the GSP does not create any new legal obligations. To the extent that such activity helps UWM improve the quality of our community, it represents a positive by-product of endorsement.

Unfortunately, from time to time, an individual or organization may attempt to manipulate the GSP endorsement to threaten or embarrass UWM into taking action that advances a purely self-serving agenda. As a practical matter, however, those who choose to rely on threats and manipulation to achieve a goal will do so whether or not UWM endorses GSP. Thus, on balance, the benfits of endorsing the GSP far outweigh the potential drawbacks.

THE GLOBAL SULLIVAN PRINCIPLES
of Corporate Social Responsibility
Announced November 2, 1999 at the United Nations in New York City, NY

The Preamble

The objective of the Global Sullivan Principles are to support economic, social and political justice by companies where they do business; to support human rights and to encourage equal opportunity at all levels of employment, including racial and gender diversity on decision making committees and boards; to train and advance disadvantaged workers for technical, supervisory and management opportunities; and to assist with greater tolerance and understandings among peoples; thereby, helping to improve the quality of life for communities, workers and children with dignity and equality.

I urge companies large and small in every part of the world to support and follow the Global Sullivan Principles of Corporate Social Responsibility wherever they have operations. (The Reverent Leon H. Sullivan)

THE PRINCIPLES

As a company which endorses the Global Sullivan Principles we will respect the law, and as a responsible member of society we will apply these Principles with integrity consistent with the legitimate role of business. We will develop and implement company policies, procedures, training and internal reporting structures to ensure commitment to these principles throughout our organizations. We believe the application of these Principles will achieve greater tolerance and better understanding among peoples, and advance the culture of peace.

Accordingly, we will:

Express our support for universal human rights and, particularly, those of our employees, the communities within which we operate, and parties with whom we do business.
Promote equal opportunity for our employees at all levels of the company with respect to issues such as color, race, gender, age, ethnicity or religious beliefs, and operate without unacceptable worker treatment such as the exploitation of children, physical punishment, female abuse, involuntary servitude, or other forms of abuse.
Respect our employees' voluntary freedom of association.
Compensate our employees to enable them to met at least their basic needs and provide the opportunity to improve their skill and capability in order to raise their social and economic opportunities.
Provide a safe and healthy workplace; protect human health and the environment; and promote sustainable development.
Promote fair competition including respect for intellectual and other property rights, and not offer, pay or accept bribes.
Work with governments and communities in which we do business to improve the quality of life in those communities – their educational, cultural, economic and social well-being – and seek to provide training and opportunities for workers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Promote the application of these principles by those with whom we do business.

We will be transparent in our implementation of these principles and provide information which demonstrates publicly our commitment to them.