Nike and Columbia Are Standing Up for Immigrants in Oregon

Esquire

By CHRISTINE FLAMMIA

September 12, 2018

Nike and Columbia Are Standing Up for Immigrants in Oregon

Brands aren’t just here to make clothes anymore. Nike, in particular, has been getting involved in some politically heated debates—most notably with this past week’s controversial Colin Kaepernick advertisement. Next up on its list: public opposition to a movement that would overturn a longstanding sanctuary law regarding immigration in Oregon. Both Nike’s President, Chairman, and CEO, Mark Parker, and Columbia Sportswear’s President, Chairman, and CEO, Tim Boyle, released public statements this week via OregonVotes.gov.

Specifically, these statements are in opposition to Oregon’s Ballot Measure 105, which would repeal the state’s sanctuary law, which protects immigrants in the state from unnecessary profiling by federal entities. The movement to oppose Measure 105 has ignited activism from all areas of the state, including the two brands. Said Nike’s Mark Parker:

“Nike employs people from all over the world; we can attest to the unique value, contributions, and innovations that people from diverse backgrounds add to Nike and to Oregon’s culture and economy. Ending Oregon’s sanctuary law will damage Oregon’s long-standing track record as a place that attracts diverse talent from across the globe.”

Columbia’s Tim Boyle expressed a similar sentiment:

“Thanks to Oregon’s culture of openness and looking out for its neighbors, my family was able to emigrate to Oregon from Nazi Germany and live here without fear. Oregon is enriched by our diversity, and immigrants living in Oregon are part of our families, communities, workplaces, and places of worship. Measure 105 does not align with Oregon values.”

That adds Nike and Columbia to the list of brands that have been making more culturally relevant statements that are outside of their proverbial wheelhouses. Earlier this month, Levi’s took a hard stance on gun control. Although the statements themselves are powerful, the very idea of them is, too. Huge brands making bold social statements makes way for others to feel comfortable stepping out of what they’re known for and standing up for something bigger. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of impact this has moving forward. Fingers crossed.

For more information, go to: www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com