The State - News from April 7, 1988

Several UC Berkeley students occupied the campus housing office to protest alleged acts of racism at the university, and no immediate move was made to evict them. “The goal is take a stand against racism and, more specifically, against racism at UC Berkeley,” said Michael Stoll, who led the sit-in. The African Students Assn., which coordinated the protest, estimated that 60 students participated. However, a university spokesman placed the number at 20. Stoll said the protest was sparked by the recent theft of a black student’s bicycle, which was later found hanging from a shower in her campus residence. He said the woman had been racially harassed since fall. University spokesman Ray Colvig said the university’s Office of Student Conduct recommended a settlement of financial restitution and community service by those involved. The protesters demand expulsion of those involved, dismissal of the housing counselor and a refund of the woman’s housing fee.