FREDRICK MISLEH
STAFF WRITER

With the beginning of a new semester, San Marcos became a Pepsi-only school. All vending machines and soda fountains replaced Coca-Cola and Sprite with Pepsi and Sierra Mist. While many accept this switch as beneficial for the school (and, for a number of students, their pallet), many more do not support this move.

For one, many students want their choice back. I am a Coke fan. I love the taste of Coke over Pepsi. By the same token, I also love Mountain Dew. I, like many of my friends and other students, miss the choice we once had. On certain days, a bottle of Coke is just what I need; on others, Mountain Dew hits the spot. Now, I don’t have my choice, nor does anyone at the school.

I can understand the reasoning for the switch – becoming a Pepsi-exclusive school saves the school in the long term as it costs less to be an exclusive school. What I don’t understand is why the price for the cheaper product increased by 25 cents when purchased from vending machines. I know a number of students who want to know where that extra money is going. If the money is going to keep extracurricular programs and teachers’ salaries funded, or to keeping tuition and parking fees down, then I’m sure the majority of the student body would be more than willing to support this small price hike. However, if the extra revenue is going to line the pockets of administrators as extra income, then I speak for the majority of the student body when I say this is unacceptable. Especially when tuition and parking fees continue to climb semester after semester.

The school administration should be more transparent in its decision to increase the price of sodas bought through vending machines. If we’re asked to pay more for a cheaper product, those responsible should present their good reasons before the student body. If the administration is unable or is unwilling to be transparent, then it should bring back our Coke.