I was pleased to read in last Friday’s DI the story entitled “UI Wants Proof of Wrongdoing Before Deciding on Coke Contract.” I have become concerned about the outrageous comments and actions by the group Coalition Against Coke Contracts (CACC).

Far too often in this debate Coke has already been tried and convicted. CACC tosses around allegations as though they are facts. However, the allegations against Coca Cola remain unproven and unsubstantiated.

Just look at the facts in the article: “A Miami judge recently dismissed a lawsuit filed against Coke in regards to the murders in Colombia”. That’s correct CACC, Coke was dismissed from the lawsuit. In the United States, people and corporations are tried and convicted in a court of law – not the media.

As students have pointed out in the past, our University’s reputation is very important and it would be most embarrassing for the University of Illinois to end the Coke contract without hard facts.

I commend other institutions such as Indiana University, the University of Montana, Central Michigan University, University of Michigan, St. John’s University New York, and the National Union of Students (UK) for rejecting Coca-Cola boycotts.

As the official soft drink provider to our campus, the University signed a multi-million dollar contract that is up for renewal next semester. In light of ever diminishing state funding, we need private service corporations like Coke to make up for budget shortfalls. Coca Cola provides financial assistance to our University and athletic department as well as providing our campus with great beverage products.

I applaud Cody Skees, and other like-minded senators, as well as our administrators who want to give Coke a fair shake. The more outrageous CACC becomes, the more they become an organization without a shred of credibility.

Steven Fluty

Junior in ACES