Mission Week gives Marquette students the opportunity to reflect on how their faith calls them to advocate for justice. The goal is to encourage students to become involved in issues that form principles and values of human dignity. Because of this week, students have a heightened sense of responsibility and self-awareness. Students understand it is equally important to become educated as to how these issues play out each day and not just for this week.

As a socially conscious student organization, Ubuntu strives to educate students on ways to become responsible consumers. Ubuntu is a group of students who work towards the goal to emphasize collective humanity; just like Desmond Tutu did when he developed the philosophy of Ubuntu ("I am because we are"). While there exists some benefits under the open market capitalist system, there needs to be a critical and vigilant eye to ensure to "raise the flag" when one group's rights are pushed to the periphery in exchange for profits. As men and women for others, ethics should always be a top priority when people and businesses interact.

Several students, especially members of Ubuntu and JUSTICE., noticed the Mission Week t-shirts were manufactured in El Salvador. People questioned whether any protocol was followed in the ordering process to ensure that the shirts were produced in a sweat-free environment, or if they came from a preferred vendor that has incorporated workers' rights into their business model. Ubuntu is working to assist campus groups and departments in becoming conscious consumers when making large apparel purchases. Members of the administration and students have in turn asked Ubuntu to check up on the purchasing practices for major events on campus such as Mission Week.

Because the Mission Week shirts were produced in a country with an economy largely dependent on localized, low-skilled manufacturing contracted by large multinational corporations, there is not a way to evaluate their origin. While we cannot definitely comment on whether the shirts were produced under compromised or just working conditions, the mere ambiguity is cause enough for concern. Marquette should call attention to the injustices occurring in these situations and do what they can to help alleviate the problem.

This is a good chance for us all to consider what Faith Doing Justice means, on the shirt and underneath it.