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Nike, Columbia CEOs Oppose Oregon Initiative To End Sanctuary State Laws

REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

Mike Brest Reporter
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The CEOs of athletic gear companies Nike and Columbia issued a statement opposing an initiative that will end Oregon’s status as a sanctuary state, which will be on the ballot in November.

The people of Oregon will vote for the initiative which would eliminate the state’s sanctuary status for illegal immigrants in November after the petition passed the necessary signature requirement to get on the ballot back in July. (RELATED: Oregon Will Vote Ending Sanctuary State Status In November)

Both Nike and Columbia are headquartered in Oregon and their CEOs shared their opinions on the initiative.

“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,” Nike CEO Mark Parker wrote, according to Oregon Live. “Ending Oregon’s sanctuary law will damage Oregon’s long-standing track record as a place that attracts diverse talent from across the globe.”

This is another example of Nike entering the field of politics. Earlier this month, Nike released an ad with former quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the spokesperson for their “Just Do It” thirtieth anniversary. Kaepernick controversially knelt during the national anthem during the 2016 season. Other players followed suit and have continued to do it since he since he has been out of the league. (RELATED: Exclusive: Trump Critical, But Says Nike’s Kaepernick Deal ‘Is What This Country Is All About’)

“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,” Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle stated.

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