DURHAM, N.C. — A student-led protest advocating for improved housing conditions at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) culminated in the detention of five individuals on Wednesday afternoon. The university described the gathering as an “unauthorized rally,” noting that at least three of those detained were not affiliated with NCCU.
Voices Raised for Better Living Conditions
The protest, characterized by chants of “we need housing” and “no housing, no peace,” was organized by students concerned about the state of campus accommodations. Freshman Waverly Hill highlighted issues such as mold, pests, and flooding in dormitories, stating, “A lot of our dorms currently have mold in them. A lot of them are very old and haven’t been renovated in a really long time.”
Another student, Derald Boney, echoed these concerns, describing the bathrooms as consistently unclean. The students’ grievances center on the belief that their tuition and housing fees should guarantee safe and habitable living conditions.
University’s Response and Legal Implications
In response to the protest, NCCU officials emphasized that the rally was unauthorized and that the university is actively seeking solutions to housing issues. A spokesperson mentioned efforts such as exploring off-campus housing partnerships and hosting housing fairs to assist students.
The detained individuals face charges including second-degree trespassing, failure to disperse, and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer. Under North Carolina law, second-degree trespassing involves entering or remaining on premises without authorization after being notified not to do so. Resisting a public officer, as defined by G.S. 14-223, is a Class 2 misdemeanor involving willful obstruction of an officer performing official duties.
A History of Student Activism
This protest is part of a broader tradition of student activism at NCCU. In 2018, students organized a walkout demanding transparency following the death of classmate Deandre Ballard, who was shot by a security guard. More recently, in October 2024, an unpermitted party involving NCCU students led to road closures in Durham, highlighting ongoing tensions between student activities and administrative regulations.
Looking Ahead
The recent detentions have sparked discussions about the balance between campus safety protocols and students’ rights to protest. As NCCU continues to address housing concerns, students remain committed to advocating for improved living conditions. The outcome of the legal proceedings for the detained individuals may set a precedent for how student activism is managed on campus moving forward.
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