Tuesday marks day 6 of student sit-in at Howard University

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Tuesday marks day six of the student sit-in at Howard University, with organizers vowing to continue occupying the administration building until all of their demands are met.

Negotiations with the school's Board of Trustees are set to resume at noon on Tuesday.

On Monday, student protesters said three of their demands were discussed during the latest negotiations. So far, they've confirmed one of those demands has been met: it has to do with housing.

"However, we are still discussing with the administration that the dorms we will be moving into also meet the D.C. standard of living," student Maya McCollum said.

Students would not say what other demands had been discussed thus far.

"We really want to emphasize that we want to be out of this building just as much as everyone wants us out of this building, but we can't budge until our demands are met," said Ahmari Anthony, another student organizer.

Meanwhile, during a conference call with Howard University alumni, a trustee stressed that students would not be forcibly removed from the administration building, under any circumstances. A tweet from the school confirmed the same, saying "Campus police will not be patrolling the A-building while our students and Board of Trustees continue to dialogue."

The student sit-in began last Thursday, after a whistleblower accused employees in the financial aid office of embezzling money. It's a theft that the university has since confirmed. School leaders have said six people were fired for their involvement, but student demonstrators maintain that's not their only concern.

As of Monday evening, they say nearly 400 students were occupying the administration building.

ABC7 reached back out to Howard University for comment on Monday's developments. A spokesperson said there were no updated statements released on Monday.

Howard University did tweet the following on Monday: "Earlier today, President Frederick met with students in the Louis Stokes library to hear their concerns and answer questions. Howard is committed to continuing an open dialogue with all students on campus. Town hall meetings forthcoming."

Students taking part in the sit-in say they were not a part of that meeting. Instead, they said other student groups were invited, including Howard United.

On Monday evening, Howard United released a statement, saying that they commend HUResist, which is the group behind the sit-in, for their persistence in protesting for what they believe in. However, Howard United said it stands with President Frederick and does not support any demand for his resignation, saying “his love and commitment to Howard University is undeniable”.