Prof stands behind student protesters

Ian C. Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat James Cook (left) speaks about a proposal from UA President Peter Likins as UA law professor Andrew Silverman listens in the Administration Building Regents room. During the ongoing student sit-in at the president's office, Silverman has spent two nights and more than 50 hours with the protesters.

Silverman's latest cause - rallying alongside student activists who are holding a sit-in at University of Arizona President Peter Likins' office.

The law professor has dedicated more than 50 hours to the student rally, and has spent two nights dozing on the floor.

"The first night, I didn't sleep so well," Silverman said. "It's a hard floor and it's kind of cold in there. The second night, I slept better."

Silverman and the students have banded together in hopes of persuading Likins to sign an anti-sweatshop labor code.

While the professor has not remained in Likins' office for the entire protest, he classified his role as "part of the sit-in" and not "more important than any of them."

"At times, they turn to me for some advice," he added.

A 29-year tenured employee and member of the university Faculty Senate, Silverman is an alumnus of the UA's College of Law and teaches courses at the school.

He said although the protest has consumed his time, he has yet to miss a class or appointment. Silverman will hold class in his house tonight, serving his students a home-cooked dinner as they dine with his wife and two children.

But if the protest continues throughout this week, Silverman said he will take part again.

"I believe in civil disobedience. I believe in protest," he said. "But at the same time, I hope that the situation can be resolved by an agreement and I think that chances of a good and strong agreement are more likely if the sit-in continues."

Silverman said Likins has handled the sit-in with patience, and has been willing to communicate with the protesters.

Past presidents might have arrested the activists, Silverman said, removing the sometimes-noisy group from their post in the Administration Building.

"He's given them some slack that others wouldn't have," Silverman said.

Students Against Sweatshops spokesman Avery Kolers said Silverman offered legal advice to the group along with strong, general guidance.

"The guy is really smart," Kolers said. "He's become one of us as days went on. His greatest value, so far, has been talking to us about this."

Likins said he has no qualms about Silverman squaring off against the university's standpoint, calling the professor "a positive influence."

"If we had no Andy Silvermans, we would be a lesser institution," Likins said, adding that the instructor's position has never been threatened.

Silverman said he would gladly jeopardize his job for his beliefs.

"Principles and morality issues and social issues are more important than what my position is," he said. "Sweatshop workers suffer much more than I do."