Lilia Draime, Staff Writer

Notre Dame’s investment in HEI Hotels and Resorts is immoral and in contest with the university’s Catholic mission.

So argued Dr. Gerald Beyer, Associate Professor of Christian Social Ethics at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  He headlined the Center for Social Concerns’ November 14 event “Prophets and Profits: Catholic Social Teaching on Workers’ Rights and Socially Responsible Investing, A Case Study of HEI Hotel Workers.” Beyer presented original research about HEI Hotels’ treatment of workers, finding grave violations of Catholic social teaching (CST) as understood through the Bible, papal encyclicals and statements, and documents from the Second Vatican Council.

Beyer surveyed 83 HEI employees from eight hotels around the country, asking open- and closed-ended questions inspired by CST.  He found that an overwhelming majority feel their wages, working conditions, employer relationships, and benefits are insufficient and detrimental.  Roughly 75 percent of respondents live below the poverty line, while similar numbers report workplace injuries from overexertion and racial discrimination.

“More than 95 percent of workers would join a union and agree that unions assure fair treatment of workers in the workplace, but 50 percent of HEI workers agree that their employers discourage unionization,” Beyer notes, pointing out that unionization is a key element of workers’ rights according to CST.

Tomas Nuñez and Luz Olivas, workers who journeyed from San Diego to Notre Dame to tell their stories, confirmed Beyer’s argument. Nuñez and Olivas explained that over the last several years, their work hours and tasks have become increasingly taxing, while their employers have only become more difficult to approach.

“Both of my knees are injured and I don’t have time for church or family anymore.  I check between 50 and 100 rooms every day, get written up if I can’t finish, and then am given more work,” Olivas revealed.  “We came here to fight, and we will fight until we win.”

Their testimony and Beyer’s research raise important questions about the morality of Notre Dame’s investment in HEI.  Chief Investment Officer Scott Malpass declined an invitation to speak at this event, and was not present to defend his investment decision.

Instead, Georges Enderle, Professor of International Business Ethics in the Mendoza College of Business, and Bill Purcell, Associate Director of the Center for Social Concerns and Co-Director of the Minor in Catholic Social Tradition, gave short presentations in support of Beyer’s message.

Enderle proposed that it is time for people, not just governments, to take initiative to protect workers. The law, he explains, is not enough. Individuals and institutions—consumers, unions, investors, companies, and governments—must be proactive in taking responsibility for promoting human rights and the dignity of work.  As an influential institution, Notre Dame should pressure HEI to reconsider some of its policies.

Purcell took a more faith-based approach to the issue than did Enderle, noting a crisis of leadership resulting from the tense relationship between culture and faith in western society today.  He emphatically argued that this issue is an opportunity for Catholics to raise their voices and passionately promote CST.

“Are we really connecting this issue to life at Notre Dame,” Purcell asked, “or are we existing in a vacuum?  You are the future leaders of this world.  How can we work beyond this disconnect and take leadership?”

Addressing issues of this nature is essential, and the panel provided several suggestions for ways in which Catholics can be more proactive to realize fair workers’ rights.  Joining a parish financial board and investing in companies that endorse CST are two of the easiest ways to affect change.

On campus, students and faculty were encouraged to engage in a factual and objective dialogue about the relationship between the Catholic faith and Notre Dame’s financial interests.  Students interested in supporting the cause can contact Chris Glueck, a student leader of the Campus Labor Action Project, at cglueck@nd.edu.

Beyer proposed that if Notre Dame cannot engage in a constructive discussion, more serious action must be taken.

“Catholic social teaching requires us to stand in solidarity with workers, personally and as investors.  Investment is a moral and cultural choice,” Beyer explains.  “Notre Dame should have more influence.  If HEI doesn’t address these concerns, Notre Dame should consider divestment to make a prophetic statement.”

Lilia Draime is a sophomore English and history major living in Cavanaugh Hall.  She hopes to be Peter Pan when she grows up.  For any leads on where to find the Lost Boys, contact Lilia at ldraime@nd.edu.