Yesterday at noon, a delegation of students from the Justice for Janitors Coalition (JJC) delivered a petition with more than 1,900 signatures to Jack McCarthy, Northeastern’s chief financial officer. These signatures came primarily from undergraduate and graduate students, but also included faculty, staff and community members. The petition asks for the school administration to initiate bargaining for an addendum to the contract of Northeastern’s janitors, who are hired by Consolidated Services Corporation, one that would greatly improve their working and living conditions.

During a meeting two weeks ago, members of the JJC spoke with McCarthy and other administrators regarding the addendum. While our moral high ground was acknowledged, we were told that an addendum was not practical.

Personally, however, I think there should be no distinction between what is practical and what is right, especially at a university that “aspires to be a model for what our society can be.”

We appreciate that the administration has taken time to meet with the coalition. However, there are some things that should be clarified: the people who signed the petition are not standing against Northeastern. We are informed individuals, fully aware of the financial implications of an addendum to the janitors’ contract. We understand the dedication of McCarthy and other administrators toward the well-being of our university, and we believe we are equally dedicated to the overall good of Northeastern in standing for the rights of these janitors.

The Progressive Student Alliance and the JJC will continue to advocate for these workers by speaking with the administration. We hope the administration will stand for what is both practical and ethical for all those who give so much of their time to our university.

– Carlotta Starks is a middler nursing major and member of Progressive Student Association and the Justice for Janitors Coalition.