Antioch students camp in protest of treatment

April 12, 2002

Friday, April 12, 2002

YELLOW SPRINGS--Some Antioch College students have pitched tents on the

campus' front lawn to protest what they feel is their lack of voice in

college decisions that affect them.

Tim Noble, a graduating Antioch senior who is a part of the tent village,

said the students' dissent is more subtle, but just as visible, as more

traditional forms of campus protest, such as staging sit-ins or taking over

a building. He expects the number of students to grow this weekend, although

the end of Antioch's school year is two weeks away. About 15 small tents

dotted the grass in front of Antioch Hall on Thursday.

" It's a peaceful protest, " said first-year student Lance Driscoll, who has

spent nine nights on the lawn. " It's doing something instead of nothing. "

First-year student Devin son said the college has grappled with the

difficult issues this school year of lean budgets, consolidation of

departments, layoffs and the possible outsourcing of food service. There

also have been student concerns about mold and bacteria in the college's

residence halls, son and other students said. Some students think

their opinions are not being considered in those and other deliberations.

Antioch Dean of Students Warren acknowledged the college's governance

" became confusing " during the past seven months during a transition to a new

college president. Antioch graduate Joan Straumanis took over as president

Feb. 1.

An environmental consultant conducted tests on the Antioch residence halls

and made recommendations on how the college can resolve the bacteria and

mold problems, Warren said. " We'll follow those recommendations. "

About 20 students have been moved from their dormitory rooms into other

housing until the renovations can be made, Warren said.

The dean of students said the student protest fit with Antioch's tradition

of social activism.

" This is what we encourage our students to do, " Warren said.

Contact Mark Fisher at 225-2258 or e-mail him at mark_fisher@...

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