Oregon Public Broadcasting

The University of Oregon has become the target of a protest because of one of its athletic apparel suppliers.

The group Step Up, Oregon! urged supporters to march Wednesday at Johnson Hall, where the school's administration is located.

The group wants U of O to join more than sixty other schools that cut ties with Russell Athletics. The company has been criticized for the decision to close a unionized factory in Honduras.

Matt Dyste, the University's Director of Marketing and Brand Management, doesn't dispute the students' concerns.

Matt Dyste   "It's clear that both economic issues and other issues probably factored into the decision to close the plant. It's pretty clear when you read a lot of the briefing and documentation there was ill performance on Russell's part at the shop level."

But Dyste says the University has a policy that bars the school from considering labor issues when deciding to end a licensing contract.   Step Up, Oregon! is  pushing for a broader interpretation of the policy.

Dyste says he believes the pressure from other schools is likely to result in policy changes at Russell. 

Even though the U of O still has its contract with Russell, its Duck Shop stores have chosen not to carry the company's sweatshirts and other garb.