Begun in 1987, the Graduation Pledge is intended to be taken by students and celebrated as a part of commencement ceremonies. Since its founding, dozens of schools around the country have instituted such an effort, and the Pledge has now gone international. The commitment is voluntary and allows students to determine for themselves what they consider to be socially and environmentally responsible.

Instituting the pledge gets at the heart of a good education and can benefit society as a whole. Not only does it remind students of the ethical implications of the knowledge and training they received, but it can help lead to a socially-conscious citizenry and a better world. The pledge can also serve as a focal point for further consciousness-raising around campus.

Each year more than one million American students enter the work force who might potentially influence the shape of corporate America, as well as other segments of society. Think of the impact if even a significant minority of applicants and job holders inquired about or questioned the ethical practices of their potential or current employers. And shouldn't a job represent more than just a paycheck -- a place where one can feel good about his/her own assignments and the general practice of the company?

We have learned of inspiring examples concerning student commitment to the pledge after graduation. "I told my boss of the pledge and my concerns. He understood and agreed, and the company did not pursue the (chemical warfare) project." Another supporter, "Now I make an effort to teach and think about social and environmental responsibility on a daily basis." Others have turned down potential jobs they did not feel comfortable with morally.

The pledge was founded at California's Humboldt State University and has been headquartered at Manchester College since 1996.