Manhattan College has partnered with Aramark Higher Education to manage a variety of on-campus services like dining and custodial services. But students, alumni and employees are petitioning to end the new contract.

"At NYU they were found to have served a racist menu at a Black History Month event,” said alum and former employee Guelybel Capellan.  

That is one of the reasons behind the petition, which has over 600 signatures. Organizers say the petition aims to stop the school’s new contract with Aramark, and it also alleges a history of racial discrimination, use of prison labor, and unlawful wage and labor practices at the company. 

"If they believe that Black Lives Matter and they believe that they are committed to social justice, this is the time to prove that,” said Capellan.  

Aramark released a statement to News 12, saying, "We disagree with how Aramark is being characterized and cast as part of the problem. We are actually part of the solution with a strong commitment to rehabilitating incarcerated individuals so they can transition back to their communities."

Current college employees, who will now work for Aramark, are also concerned they could lose key benefits like tuition reimbursement for themselves and their families.

Manhattan College released a statement to News 12 saying, “All Manhattan College staff, supervisors, and managers who will join Aramark will retain specific Manhattan College benefits, including tuition reimbursement while benefiting from Aramark’s range of benefits, services, and opportunities."

Physical Plant employees showed News 12 a letter from the college saying it will be holding meetings on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss questions and concerns about Aramark.