As the transition from Java City to Einstein Bros. Bagels proceeds next month, Fair Trade coffee continues to be an issue.

Last December a Student Union referendum was passed stating that the student body was in favor of the exclusive sale of Fair Trade Coffee on campus. Before the end of the spring 2006 semester, all of Usdan and the non-Kosher side of Sherman Dining Hall had made the switch.

Java City, however, offered Fair Trade coffee as an option, but not exclusively. Michael Newmark, Director of Dining Services, said that Einstein Bros. Bagels will continue the current policy of offering both Fair Trade and Free Trade coffee. There will be a choice between Fair Trade and standard. All other dining location will remain unchanged said Newmark.

This semester, the Fair Trade Brigade has joined with the Brandeis Labor Coalition (BLC).

Lauren Abramowitz 07 said that Fair Trade has a lot to do with fair labor. We thought that the two ideas were connected, it increases our manpower. Speaking for the BLC, she noted that We will continue to convert all coffee sold in the campus center to fair trade and will work with the administration and Aramark. Additionally, discussions have taken place regarding offering Fair Trade Coffee in Admissions.

Although the 2005 referendum is the official opinion of the student body, Aramark is not held to that vote. While unsure if Einstein Bros. Bagels is receptive to the idea, we might get lucky and itll work out noted Abromowitz.

Another goal of the BLC is to make the issue of fair trade a more lasting idea on campus through the constitution or through the administration. Abramowitz said that it has been well received so far and that as long as students keep supporting it they wont have too many objections to changing over.