Despite efforts to keep students separated from their outside support groups–including students who need to meet with their dissertation advisors–around 50 students, faculty, staff, and community members rallied outside Crouse-Hinds at noon to show their support.
Students also received food donations from friends, faculty, staff, community members and family, who made homemade dishes and baked goods to keep students’ spirits up. John Colasacco, a teacher in the Writing department, who arrived to donate food shortly after the designated drop-off time of 4:00-4:45, was turned away at the door by DPS. Colasacco’s seven-year-old son, who needed to use the bathroom was also denied entry. But the people bringing in food bought by Dean Gonzalez came inside carrying trays.
In a show of solidarity with those who made an effort to contribute and were stopped at the door, students donated the Dean’s contribution to Food Not Bombs, which will take the food to a homeless shelter.