#NotAgainSU organizers have occupied Crouse-Hinds Hall for eight days. 

The movement, led by Black students, began occupying the building Feb. 17 to continue its protest of at least 29 racist, anti-Semitic and bias-related incidents that have occurred at or near Syracuse University since early November.

Protesters held a sit-in at the Barnes Center at The Arch for eight days in November, ending the demonstration after Chancellor Kent Syverud signed 16 of the movement’s 19 demands as written and revised the remaining three. 

#NotAgainSU presented a revised list of 24 demands Feb. 17 and plans to occupy the space until the demands are met. As of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, university officials have not agreed to the movement’s new and revised demands. 

The movement demanded Feb. 17 that four SU officials resign by 11:59 p.m. Friday. #NotAgainSU said in a statement that “escalated action will take place” if the officials did not resign or the Board of Trustees did not remove them. None have vacated their positions. 

The Department of Public Safety sealed off Crouse-Hinds as of Tuesday morning and reopened the building Thursday morning. Students, faculty and community members remained outside the building throughout Tuesday and Wednesday to show support for the protesters inside. 

SU initially placed at least 30 protesters under interim suspension early Tuesday morning for remaining in Crouse-Hinds past its 9 p.m. closing time. Syverud lifted these suspensions Wednesday night. 

SU officials told organizers Wednesday night that they can remain in the building past closing, but will not be allowed to reenter the building until it opens at 7 a.m. if they leave. Officials later announced that Crouse-Hinds would operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. — the building’s weekday hours of operation — over the weekend.

Published on February 24, 2020 at 12:17 am

Contact Sarah: scalessa@syr.edu | @sarahalessan