Students at Syracuse University who had been staging a protest at the university’s administration building for the past 18 days ended their occupation on Thursday, The Post-Standard reported.
A student coalition called THE General Body was protesting against what its supporters called a lack of transparency and inclusiveness at the institution. Ben Kuebrich, a graduate student and organizer of the student coalition, told the newspaper that the group had decided “that maintaining the space isn’t getting us anywhere.”
Vani Kannan, another Syracuse graduate student, wrote in a post on THE General Body’s blog that the group was leaving “with the knowledge that what we are asking the chancellor to commit to works towards equity, justice, and safety for every person here today and every person not here.”
Ms. Kannan said the coalition was moving into a second phase, which represents “a growing body of students, faculty, staff, and community members who refuse to submit to undemocratic administrative policies that hurt this campus and this community.”
Kent D. Syverud, Syracuse’s chancellor, said in a written statement that he had listened “intently” to the protesters’ demands and that he hoped they would find a productive way to move forward together.
“I have learned much through this process and appreciate how committed these students are to making our university better,” Mr. Syverud added. “I want the university community to know I remain fully committed to continuing these conversations and working to make Syracuse University the kind of campus where everyone feels welcome and respected.”
