Police remove protesters

Fifty-four anti-sweatshop protesters were removed from Bascom Hall and arrested Sunday, Feb. 20.

On Sunday evening, Chancellor David Ward issued this statement:

Approximately 54 protesters were arrested and removed from the Chancellor’s Office in Bascom Hall Sunday morning. I authorized this action., I did so because it is my responsibility to ensure that students, faculty and staff do not face intimidation, interference or personal danger as they go about their business. Despite the rash of erroneous reports of events during the protests, these problems did develop. They had to end.

According to university police:

At 4 a.m., protesters who occupied the Chancellor’s Office and parts of the building were informed that a closing order for Bascom Hall had been issued by Chancellor David Ward.

Approximately one dozen protesters left the building as ordered, but 54 persons remained in the Chancellor’s Office and were arrested for unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct.

Sixteen were issued an additional charge of resisting arrest and one was charged with underage alcohol consumption as well.

There were no reported injuries to either police or protester