2007 hunger strike
In November 2007, Columbia activists embarked upon yet another protest. Banking off several recent "bias incidents" involving racist and anti-Semitic symbols seen around campus, a group of students has gone on a hunger strike, and lassoed some vague and general demands into an agenda they hope will coerce the administration.
Contents
General focus areas of demands
- Administrative reform
- Further expansion of Ethnic Studies
- No expansion into Harlem (see Manhattanville expansion)
- Core Curriculum reform
Participants
- Bryan Mercer, 22, a senior at Columbia
- Samantha Barron, 19, Barnard sophomore from California
- Aretha Choi, 19, a Barnard sophomore from Colorado
- Emilie Rosenblatt, 22, a Columbia senior from Illinois
- Victoria Ruiz, 20, a Columbia junior from California
Supporters
The strikers are supported by some members of the faculty, notably Nicholas De Genova and Barnard PoliSci prof Dennis Dalton, who declared he would join the strike, but continues to consume water and juice. Anti-Columbia singer Nellie McKay is also an active supporter.
Lucha is among student groups offering support.
Timeline
- November 7: Started
- Nov 11: Choi drops out
Achievements
Columbia College dean Austin Quigley and Arts and Sciences VP Nicholas Dirks have tried to preempt the strike with announcements they're willing to make new administrative hires to represent diversity concerns, and have pledged further study regarding the status of the Core Curriculum. The Manhattanville expansion is so far not under negotiation.
