Protesting Princeton Students Reach Agreement, End Sit-In

The protesters wanted the school to acknowledge what they say is the racist legacy of former Princeton president and U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Princeton University has reached an agreement with students protesting inside the president's office, ending a nearly two-day sit-in.

The university said President Christopher Eisgruber signed the agreement late Thursday with two other college officials and 17 students.

The protesters, from a group called the Black Justice League, wanted the school to acknowledge what they say is the racist legacy of former Princeton president and U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. They also wanted the school to rename the buildings and programs named for him.

The university said it will consider the removal of a mural of Wilson, initiate conversations about Wilson's legacy on campus and enhance cultural competency training for staff, among other aspects of the agreement.

The university said no formal disciplinary action would be taken if the students peacefully left the office.

Wilson was president of Princeton from 1902 to 1910 and served as New Jersey's governor from 1911 to 1913, when he entered the White House. The Democrat was a leading progressive but supported segregation, including appointing Cabinet members who segregated federal departments.

The sit-in came as students around the country joined #StudentBlackOut day Wednesday to protest racial injustice on college campuses.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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