Berkeley Students Protest Panda Express

About 40 UC-Berkeley students protested the possibility of a Panda Express fast-food kiosk in a campus food court, the Daily Californian reports. Critics say that the chain restaurant represents a trend that will push out smaller local businesses, and they say Panda Express does not adhere to sustainable practices or cater well to vegetarians. "This is a fast-food chain coming to the UCB campus," said one student, who supports the installation of a food co-op in the space. "I think this is a huge step in the wrong direction."

Representatives of Panda Express have promised to add more vegetarian options and offer biodegradable packaging, but protesters have called the gesture "a joke."

Meanwhile, student government officials say the majority of students support the contract with Panda Express, revenues from which will also help alleviate a budget crunch for the student government. One official said the restaurant would be the second-largest revenue source for the organization after the bookstore.