Student-Led Blackburn Takeover Makes Headlines Nationally and Abroad

As the Blackburn Takeover approaches 30 days, organizers said they’ve entered negotiations with Howard University (HU) administrators about reinstating board of trustee affiliate positions, addressing housing issues, increasing HU President Wayne A.I. Frederick’s engagement and providing amnesty for student protesters.

Amid these discussions, legions of students, alumni, activists, politicians and entertainers continue to converge on HU’s campus around the clock in support of the more than 150 students who have made the Blackburn University Center ground zero.

“There’s been support stretching as far as California and Ghana. Al Jazeera is even making a documentary about this,” said Aniyah Vines, an HU senior and Blackburn Takeover member who represents The Live Movement, a national student network that advocates for the advancement of historically Black colleges and universities.

Since the night of Oct. 12, when students first occupied Blackburn, Vines and others have kept onlookers, supporters and detractors abreast of developments via The Live Movement’s Instagram page.

Read more: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/student-led-blackburn-takeover-makes-headlines-nationally-and-abroad/


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Howard University cafeteria workers denounce university efforts to scapegoat students for layoffs


One month into the student occupation of Howard University’s Blackburn Center, campus workers are demanding that the university administration address the horrendous living conditions in student dormitories.

Students have camped outside the building in tents since October, demanding Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick meet with students and alumni over vermin infestations, black mold, cockroaches and other health hazards overseen by the for-profit building management company Corvias. The university has responded by deploying police to dislodge the peaceful protest.

Last week, the university announced that Sodexo cafeteria workers were laid off because of “unforeseen” costs caused by the student protests. But the WSWS contacted Sodexo on campus, and a representative said there had been no layoffs. A second source with knowledge also stated there had been no layoffs. In addition, Howard’s Office for Campus Life continues to operate from the building the cafeteria was in, and the administration has not said if students will be issued a refund for their dining plan due to the cafeteria’s closure.

If it is true there were no layoffs, this means the university lied in order to present the students as “privileged” in a cynical attempt to turn the working class against them.

Read more: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/11/13/hsas-n13.html