James Madison University needs to stop supporting the racist system Aramark Corporations condones and actively participates in. For years, Aramark has supplied private prisons, which capitalize on mass incarceration to make a profit. In this process, they put employees and inmates at risk by cutting corners in staff training, facility upkeep, and other necessary costs. Due to the systematic racism in our justice system, the Black population suffers disproportionately, and these corporations accrue wealth.

In addition, Aramark’s unethical practices reflect in the treatment of the prisoners whose correctional facilities their supply. Specific habits they have been called out on include underfeeding prisoners and supplying spoiled food. At JMU, who are we to assume this corporation is being completely ethical with us? Moreover, and with a direct risk to the student body and staff at JMU, Aramark has a history of racist actions with regards to their dining services. For example, in 2018, Aramark was exposed by multiple universities (e.g, NYU, Fordham, Kent State, etc.) for their stereotypical “black food” displays during Black History Month. Rather than fix their practices, Aramark chose to deny these evident claims and instead scapegoat employees and blame propaganda.

As members of the JMU community, it is our goal to convince JMU to end its contract with Aramark and switch to a supplier that does not support unethical practices, racist actions, or a prison-industrial complex. With that said, we encourage JMU to choose wisely and NOT give into a corporation that supports the same practices (e.g, Sodexo + CompassGroup). it is also important to note that we do not intend to hurt innocent employees in the process, but rather demand JMU make a switch that ideally incorporates the institutions current employees as well. Making this switch would show respect and solidarity to the students and staff who are Black, POC, or allies fighting against racial injustice as a community.

Sources & Additional Evidence Against Aramark: tinyurl.com/endaramark