PRO Coca-Cola Statement

UCLA needs Coca-Cola, like Colombians need Coca-Cola.
Faith Christiansen and Ryan Smeets

The charges against Coca-Cola for the tragic deaths of Colombians are unwarranted and unfounded. The accusations made by Coke Free Campus (CFC) are fueled by misinformation.

Justice in a case demands viewing all evidence in order to establish probable cause. Colombia has been engaged in civil war for more than 40 years, a war that has touched every Colombian citizen. Disregard of this fact is insulting to international investigating agencies, the state of Colombia, and witnesses to these killings when international and domestic investigations have supported Coke's innocence.

As a result of operating in this false paradigm, CFC has placed unrealistic demands on parties who are not intended to govern or ensure peace, but whose role is to invest and compete financially. This role provides jobs, a tax base, and opportunities for the community. Coca-Cola benefits Colombians by offering employment as an alternative to recruitment by and dependence on drug cartels.

UCLA will also be affected by this divestment campaign. Because of the benefits UCLA students derive from the company's contract, Coke is not just a vending machine option. Without it, ASUCLA would lose revenue and corporate sponsorships. Coke's support translates into student jobs and programming funds for students.

The future of Colombia is dependent on attracting foreign investment to stabilize its economy and provide employment. This boycott will not only hurt Colombians and student lives at UCLA, it will also establish a precedent that could potentially hurt impoverished developing nations desperate for investment.


For more information: www.cokefacts.org.