TO THE EDITOR:
Your Feb. 6 editorial, “Cut ties with VF Corp.,” overlooked the significant steps the University has taken in requiring all of its licensees that make UNC-logoed products in Bangladesh to join the Accord.
There is no “technicality” as stated in your editorial. VF Corp. is not subject to the terms of the Accord because the corporation has not produced collegiate apparel in that nation since 2013. The University’s Office of Trademarks and Licensing works with about 300 licensees that make products with the UNC logo.
Of those, nine produce UNC-branded apparel in Bangladesh, and all nine are already members of the Accord.
Any new University licensee or current licensee up for renewal, sourcing UNC-logoed goods in Bangladesh, will also be required to be members of the Accord.
Before we reached our decision, we heard from many people in our campus community who support the Accord, including the Licensing Labor Code Advisory Committee and Student Action with Workers. This announcement affirms Carolina’s continued commitment to worker safety for products bearing our name.
Matt Fajack
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration
