Davis

That the Davis Food Co-op could turn into Òmerely a better version of Whole FoodsÓ (Desmond Jolly, March 28) may have just become more likely.

Less than two weeks after the Co-op board eviscerated its shareholdersÕ right to put initiatives on the ballot, Co-op staff started enforcing a new anti-free speech policy. The new policy moves the historic free speech area from the front of the Co-op off to the side, away from nearly all store patrons.

Although moving the free speech area coincided with the location of an ATM at the Co-op, the two are unrelated. The city code says there can be no solicitation for money within 50 feet of an ATM and staff acknowledges that this does not apply to free speech activities that arenÕt soliciting money.

The apparent reason for moving the free speech area is that some Co-op staff and presumably the board donÕt want free speech at the Co-op. Yes, protecting free speech means allowing for controversy, including about product standards related to labor issues, environmental sustainability or human rights (see http://DavisBDS.org). But tackling controversial issues is part of democracy. And democracy is still a fundamental principle of cooperatives, including the Davis Food Co-op.

Those who want the Co-op to operate according to its democratic principles need to stand up for free speech by contacting the Co-op board and general manager and insisting that the historic free speech area be restored.

Mary Wind

Davis

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