Kamaria Porter

SOUTH BEND -- When University of Notre Dame student Kamaria Porter thinks of Catholic character, she doesn't think of film festivals or
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to address inequities," Porter said.

Last fall, Porter and other Notre Dame student activists launched a
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problems on our campus," said Porter, a senior from Chicago.
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Porter said.

To rise above the poverty level, that worker should be paid a "living wage" of at least $12.10 per hour, she said. (The national minimum wage
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are closest to, including employees," Porter said.

Regarding University of Notre Dame student Kamaria Porter's campaign to raise the minimum hourly pay for employees to $12.10 (Tribune, March 6):I have been in the work force for two decades.I work for a hotel in South Bend and am responsible for customer service, computer programs, cash and the entire building.I'm paid less than $8 an hour.I suggest that Porter leave the comfortable confines of Notre Dame and get out in the real world.

SOUTH BEND -- When University of Notre Dame student Kamaria Porter thinks of Catholic character, she doesn't think of film festivals or feminist plays on campus.

What comes to mind is Catholic social teaching about fair wages for workers, she said.

"We want the university to continue to be successful, but we also want to address inequities," Porter said.

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Last fall, Porter and other Notre Dame student activists launched a campus campaign to improve wages for university workers.It's called the Campus Labor Action Project.
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Some Notre Dame employees must seek second jobs or turn to public assistance to make ends meet, Porter said.

Notre Dame, with more than 4,000 workers, is St. Joseph County's largest employer.

"As we endeavor to be more Catholic, we must address the wage and labor problems on our campus," said Porter, a senior from Chicago.
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The university's starting pay of $8.13 per hour (for a non-tipped, full-time employee) is under the poverty line for a family of four, Porter said.

To rise above the poverty level, that worker should be paid a "living wage" of at least $12.10 per hour, she said. (The national minimum wage is $5.15.)

The ongoing campus discussion about Notre Dame's Catholic character as it relates to a gay film festival and a student production of "The Vagina Monologues" has captured national media attention.In January, Jenkins told students and faculty that he wanted to launch a public discussion about sponsorship of such events in light of Notre Dame's nature as a Catholic university.

"Our Catholic character is shown most in our action toward the people we are closest to, including employees," Porter said.
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University of Notre Dame senior Kamaria Porter is part of a group of student activists asking the university to adopt a "living wage" for all campus workers.