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Arrested activists return for rally

MADISON, Wis.-Protesters gathered once again at Bascom Hall Monday to rally against the University of Wisconsin-Madison's affiliation with sweatshop manufacturers and Chancellor David Ward's treatment of the issue.

After a four-day occupation of Ward's reception office that began during a rally on Feb. 16, 54 protesters were removed from Bascom Hall Sunday by police and arrested for unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct and other charges.

Students and community members gathered at the steps of Bascom Hall continuing their protest against sweatshops and Ward's action the previous day.

"We are not going to stop fighting, no matter what they do to us," said protester Ben Runkle, who was arrested Sunday morning. "The other reason we are here is not what the police did to me but what Chancellor Ward told them to do whatever they needed to do. Chancellor Ward preferred to (have protesters arrested) than come and talk to us - this is unacceptable."

Many of the arrested protesters agreed that Ward's action was unnecessary.

"I can say that there was a lot of pain involved, that our rights were violated - we were never read our rights," said ASM representative and arrested protester Julia Hundley.

Protesters are upset with Ward's refusal to speak with them about their seven demands, which included withdrawing from the Fair Labor Association and joining the Worker Rights Consortium.