When I first came to CSUDH in 2023, I was ecstatic to show my new school colors. I remember rushing to the Loker Student Union to buy a hoodie at the bookstore. But when I saw the price tag was $75, my excitement quickly vanished.
In high school, I often dreamed about walking around my college campus donned in campus apparel. I also grew up understanding the value of a dollar, so I knew that whichever school I chose had to give me the best snuggle for my struggle.
I chose CSUDH because I felt it was the best fit. With that being said, the cost of showing off my school pride is making my wallet feel pretty awkward.
Ruby Marquez—my friend and an Ad/PR student—once bought a hoodie on sale for $60. When she left campus with her new purchase, she noticed one of the sleeves was frayed. She told me it wasn’t long before the sleeve ripped entirely.
For what it’s worth, the campus bookstore is actually owned by the large corporate retailer Follett Higher Education. Oddly, nearby Cal State Fullerton seems to be a bit more affordable—maybe because it’s operated by the university. This shows a difference because a standard campus hoodie is $53, while shirts go for as low as $17.
Seeing the contrast between campuses raises an alarm because CSUDH prides itself on serving historically underrepresented demographics. School spirit should be accessible for all students, not only those who can afford it.
There is also a difference in the collections sold. Some students I spoke to for this article, like Kelly Cristano, told me she wished CSUDH imitated schools like Cal State Long Beach by adopting popular trends and designs.
My colleague, graduate student Alyana Osmeña, said she wouldn’t mind paying a bit more for a special edition or branded hoodie so long as it was made well. Paying $70 for a so-so sweat isn’t worth it.
I think the CSUDH should reevaluate its relationship with corporate vendors. School spirit should not be something that is out of reach for students. If our campus is committed to equity and accessibility, it needs to leverage its contract with Follett.
Regular sales (or possibly a permanent student discount) and affordable standard collections would go a long way for Toros who don’t have $70 just laying around.
Associated Students, Inc. should also advocate for new ways to bring the campus community together around this issue. The Sustainability Office organizes a pop-up thrift shop the first Tuesday of each month, but maybe additional swaps and exchanges could be organized so students could find affordable, quality apparel.
The university must work to align its retail operations with its mission of inclusivity. It shouldn’t be expensive for Toros to wear their pride on their sleeve.