For the past ten years, workers at the College of William and Mary have been speaking out about the poverty [-level] wages they receive. Last semester, students and workers formed the Living Wage Coalition, which is made up of student organizations, professors, community organizations, faith-based organizations, local unions and other supporters who are committed to fighting for fair wages on our campus. Although students and workers have met with the administration numerous times and delivered letters and petitions in support of living wages signed by hundreds of students and community members, the school has failed to take meaningful steps towards implementing a living wage. The reality is that many workers at our College must work two or three jobs, and still struggle to make ends meet and support their families. There is no excuse for the College to pay its employees anything less than what it costs to live in 21st century America. The value of community is a core principle at the College, and we ask that the administration honor this value by implementing living wages for all workers at the College, which will allow them to afford food, childcare, housing, transportation and health care. As our coalition continues to grow and gather support, we formally and publicly ask you to lead the administration in prioritizing workers and addressing poverty on our campus by re-visiting the budget and taking meaningful action towards implementing living wages for all of our workers.
Recent articles
Humanities: their former glory and fading future
Avi Joshi ‘26 is a prospective English and education major. He is a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and Wind Ensemble. Contact...
Introducing the Hive: Swem’s basement is abuzz with three relocated institutes
For the last month, the College of William and Mary’s Global Research Institute, Institute for Integrated Conservation and the Whole of Government Center of...
Special status students navigate fear, isolation with limited resources
Editor’s Notes: The Flat Hat has decided to honor the requests of several sources and keep their identities anonymous out of protection of their...
Directorial debut: Cam Jones ’24 directs student-run production of “Rabbit Hole”
Directing a play, especially one filled with complicated themes and intimate moments, is often described by creatives as not for the faint of heart,...