BEIRUT: Students at the American University of Beirut Wednesday erected tents on campus in a symbolic occupation of a central building in protest of the proposed tuition hike.
The move is the latest escalation by students who oppose the proposed tuition increase for next year, something the administration says is needed due to the funds needed to maintain AUB’s standard of operations.
A member of the student committee helping to organize the protest said AUB President Peter Dorman allowed the three-day occupation on condition that protesters were separated in single sex, alcohol-free tents.
Some activists and student leaders played cards while others studied in the camp as faculty and staff surveyed the scene.
Policemen were stationed at all entrances to the Beirut university. Students at the protest camp insisted that they were committed to nonviolence.
The Daily Star