To the Editor:
I have a solution to the Flex problem that I believe will makes all sides happy. Yale demands 18 percent of Flex sales, saying that it needs the money to keep the program afloat. Restauranteurs argue that this percentage cuts into their profits, so they don’t join the program. Why doesn’t Yale just take their 18 percent cut directly from the students? Instead of giving us $100 of Flex, Dining Services should give us $82 and let the restaurant owners keep all the money spent there, thus providing them with a strong incentive to join the program. I think almost every student who uses Flex would be willing to trade in 18 percent of their money if Bulldog Burrito, Gourmet Heaven and all the other local restaurants joined the program.
Aryeh Cohen-Wade ’05
March 23, 2005