A graduation sash at the bookstore costs $53. The actual cap and gown costs $30, and a 15.2-ounce Naked Blue Machine smoothie costs $5.75. On average, about 52% of community college students work while attending school, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
A couple of students I spoke to personally said they think the bookstore charges too much. In an ever-evolving economy, especially here at Los Medanos College, the pressure for students to buy what they need, including essentials like food, becomes increasingly difficult.
On cans of Arizona Tea, the printed price says 99 cents. However, at LMC, only three flavors are actually sold for 99 cents, and they are placed at the very top of the drink shelf, not exactly eye-level unless you’re over six feet tall. The more popular flavors cost $1.75.
Packages of candy are also placed higher on the shelves and priced around $4.25, while the cheaper less popular candy, priced between $2.39 to $2.75, is placed near the bottom. Even though this practice is common at many convenience stores, I worry about disabled students at LMC who may have to bend down or strain themselves just to access cheaper items.
Some may argue that EOPS covers these costs, but EOPS usually only covers textbooks and cap and gown expenses. The honor cord students receive for graduating with a high GPA costs $5, and according to the people I spoke with who receive EOPS benefits, the cord is not covered. How much money will the bookstore continue to take from LMC students to the point where even the cord representing their hard work is not subsidized?
I will admit I could be wrong. Maybe the cords are already subsidized. If I could speak with the people who actually manage the bookstore, who coincidentally never seem available to talk to the press, maybe I could get some clearer answers.
Although the bookstore does not tax customers, and the convenience of having it on campus is definitely a plus, sometimes you have to wonder: is the bookstore technically a monopoly? If students had other places on campus to buy snacks and drinks, would the prices still be this high?
Obviously, the bookstore needs to be self-sustaining in order to avoid operating at a loss and continue serving the campus community. The staff members I’ve interacted with have always treated me with respect whenever I use the bookstore’s services. However, is pricing out the very community you serve ethical?
Underprivileged students deserve to have the graduation cord they worked hard to earn. Students also deserve affordable snacks and drinks. Will the LMC bookstore simply tell them to eat cake?
