Brandeis Students Take Over Building

Brandies students took over the Bernstein Marcus Administration Center during a march there yesterday organized by the Brandies Divestment Movement.

The Divestment Movement, with the support of the Student Senate, also sponsored a boycott of classes on Thursday and Friday, Jerry D. Kemp, a student and member of the Divestment Movement said yesterday. He added the strike was highly effective, forcing Brandeis to cancel 80 per cent of its classes.

March of 500

Kemp said more than 500 students marched at 11:30 a.m. to the administration center where a trustee meeting was in session.

Robert Evans, dean of Brandies College, read a statement from the trustees concerning possible shareholder action in future stock purchases.

Kemp said. "The statement was a reiteration of what they have been delivering to the student body for the past couple of years."

"Approximately 200 people rushed into the building" after Evans read the statement, Kemp said.

Thom Ramiga, a South African student, said yesterday. "At that point, students were really mad. People were given the impression that the reply from the administration might be favorable. Some students were even crying," he added.

The students occupied the main halls of the administration building, allowing administrators to leave their offices. At 7:30 p.m., the administration had not met Evans' demands, but members of the Divestment Movement issued a preliminary agreement to abide by university rules. "There is no question of any violence whatsoever," a student who asked to remain anonymous said last night.

Students interviewed were uncertain when the sit-in would end. Keith W. Jenkins, president of the Student Senate, said yesterday. "As of now, it will last until Monday--maybe longer."

Jenkins added, "We're hoping for some kind of a statement of a promise for a serious look at divestment and a moratorium on investments."

Most Brandeis students are behind the strike. Jenkins said, "and we expect even more to support the takeover," he added