Students March for Diversity

(U-WIRE) ST. LOUIS, Mo.--Leaders of the Association of Black Students (ABS), backed by a vocal crowd of several hundred students, faculty and staff, called on the university to increase minority representation in a rally held on the steps of Brookings Hall midday Monday.

With chants of, : Thirty years and nothing's changed now it's time to rearrange!" the march Bowles Plaza to Brookings Hall commemorated the 30th anniversary of ABS at Washington University and renewed the original demand made by participants in a nine-day occupation of Brookings Hall in 1968.

Robin Terry, president of ABS, presented an action proposal to Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. William Danforth and chancellor Mark Wrighton.

The proposal was signed by 687 students and outlined ways for the university to increase faculty diversity, black student enrollment, financial aid for black students, university support for student organization, representation of minorities in class curriculum and university involvement in the St. Louis community.

Reaction to the march was generally very positive. Most students who attended the march thought that it went very smoothly and were touched by the words of those who spoke.

"I was very impressed with the student turnout--the diversity was great," senior Donald Ester said.