Students who organized last year’s protest against Cintas, a public uniform company, received recognition from the Student Association Senate on Sunday night despite criticism from some senators.

The students’ organization, the Labor Rights Alliance, is designed to educate NIU students about their rights in the workplace as well as the importance of labor unions. The group also hopes to address labor issues and provide support to other progressive causes.

Senate Speaker Andrew Nelms was against recognizing the organization because of last year’s protest against Cintas, which was organized because students disagreed with the Career Planning and Placement Center’s contract with the company.

“I don’t feel this is a healthy organization for students,” Nelms said. “It seems to me, and it’s apparent by their actions on campus, that their goal is not to educate but to disrupt. Every time I saw any action being taken by this student organization, they were negative and harmful to campus’ well-being and not conducive to an institution of higher learning.”

Labor Rights Alliance president Karl Huck said he was shocked by Nelms’ opinion.

“I was also a little bit surprised that he misrepresented what actually happened,” Huck said.

Bertrand Simpson, associate director of University Programming and Activities, also said he believed the protest was not disruptive.

“I found their protest kind of creative,” Simpson said.

Most senators were in favor of recognizing the Labor Rights Alliance.

“I believe this is a very worthwhile organization,” said Senator Phil Stroud, who also said it is important for college students to be educated about unions.

Also at the meeting, junior political science major Nazli Yetgen was appointed to fill a vacancy on the senate.

“I want to be a voice for my NIU community,” Yetgen said.

Senators unanimously approved her appointment.

Previous decisions of the SA Finance Committee received the senate’s approval. Those decisions included the allocation of $12,341.15 to purchase computers and office supplies for the organization offices in room 190 of the Campus Life Building, and $1,680 to purchase advertising in the Northern Star for the SA’s book exchange program.