9 UM students arrested after sit-in for workers rights

Missoula, Mont. (AP) Nine students calling for the University of Montana to adopt an anti-sweatshop program took over the university president's office before they were arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Those charged and released yesterday were members of Students for Social and Economic Justice. The group wants the university to adopt the Designated Suppliers Program to ensure Griz Gear is not manufactured in sweatshops.

UM President George Dennison was traveling in China during the protest and wasn't contacted by administrators. But university vice president Jim Foley said Dennison would meet with the student group next Wednesday.

The sit-in was the first at UM since the Vietnam War protests of the late 1960s.

Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-17-08 0447CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list