Hyperactive Activists

The school year is only a month old, and while Harvard activists are just getting underway in their protest against South African apartheid here, divestment protests at Cornell have already resulted in the arrests of nearly 30 students.

And they say they hope the trend continues.

Catherine E. Johnston '87 said she and other protesters are following a "guerilla sit-in strategy," the aim of which is to get two students arrested each day. "They sit in the Administration Building until the building is officially closed, and then they are arrested and charged under New York State Law with criminal tresspass."

The protesters say they hope their strategy will keep the heat on the Administration to divest all South Africa-related stock.

The arrests have been accompanied by rallies and teach-ins. "This week, we are holding 'Three Days for Freedom at Cornell,'" said Johnston. "We are protesting against South Africa-related investments and the lack of democracy at the University."

Last summer, University officials tore down "Shantytown", a mock structure erected as a "symbolic expression of the divestment movement." Johnston said that activists are currently taking Cornell to court, claiming that the university's action is a violation of their free-speech rights.

Meanwhile, a five-member Proctee Review Committee is considering Cornell's investment policy. David Stewart, Acting Director of University Relations, said the committee is expected to issue a report "by the end of the year."