On opening night, police first said they would close Wheeler Hall at 7:30pm. Those inside remained. Bob Meister, Professor of Social Sciences and Political Thought at UCSC, was able to give his scheduled talk in the evening. Other UCPD deadlines, including the last one of 11pm for building closure, came and went with the majority of those in the building remaining. Occupants danced to music, watched movies, studied, cleaned the hall, and discussed and planned their next steps.

Police locked the doors after 10pm, but those inside continued to open the doors from the inside allowing anyone who wanted to enter the building. Eventually, police gave in and participants were allowed to come and go as they pleased, with many in sleeping bags sleeping throughout the building while others maintained a night watch.


Updates on student victory from first night, with photos and short video: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/07/18631717.php

Video tour of first night: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/08/18631747.php

Live Week announcement: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/07/18631640.php

http://liveweek.net


Previous coverage of November 20th Wheeler Occupation: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/11/20/18629379.php