Student Protest Against Panda Express Gathers Outside Eshleman Hall

Around 40 students with signs protested outside the ASUC Senate Chambers tonight, while Store Operations Board members met in a closed session with representatives of fast-food giant Panda Express.

Students yelled and banged on the windows of the senate chambers, calling for officials to prevent the chain restaurant from opening a franchise on campus.

"We do not want Panda Express to come to campus," said protester Alex Cole-Weiss. "I'm not sure it can be any clearer than that."

Many students said they disapproved of Panda Express because it did not provide sustainable practices or organic options.

"With a family-owned business, we can work with them. With a chain company, we do not have that negotiating power," said sophomore Xander Lenc, who participated in the protest.

No arrests were made during the protest.

If a contract is signed, the chain restaurant is set to come to Lower Sproul Plaza in the fall semester. A letter of intent was signed Dec. 3 affirming both parties' commitment to work toward a final agreement.

Students at tonight's protest also voiced concerns about vendors in the Bear's Lair, which will likely enter an open bidding process with businesses in the coming weeks.

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