"The Ivy League got together and decided they wanted to make their own code, and all the negotiations we had done for years went out the window," Shuldiner said.

Friends in High Places

While PSLM members do not rule out sit-ins and allude to "direct action" if the University does not accede to their demands, they also say public pressure will be key to their campaign.

Twenty-four Congressional representatives, including minority House leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) and David E. Bonior (D-Mich.) signed a letter expressing "strong support" for the efforts of PSLM and other protestors of sweatshop labor.

"Your recent protests have drawn important attention to the fact that some codes of conduct...do not meet all the criteria that you believe are necessary to ensure that university licensed apparel is not made in sweatshops," the letter reads.

"I think what the students are saying is 'we expect you to follow through on your words,'" said Daniel Weiss, chief of staff to Congressman George Miller (D-Calif.), who authored the letter.

Miller also sponsored a resolution urging colleges and universities to adopt strong codes of conduct, which passed through Congress last year.

PSLM members say they are optimistic that national momentum will ultimately drive their movement to success.