Six of 11 student protesters are still fasting until they can talk about UF's investment policy with UF President Bernie Machen, but they're dropping fast. Two have already fainted after nearly a week, protesters said.
Members of Students for a Democratic Society have been on a hunger strike since April 9. Students met with Dean of Students Eugene Zdziarski on Wednesday asking for a forum to discuss releasing details of the university's $1.2 billion endowment.
The group wants to make sure UF isn't investing in anything socially irresponsible.
Dianna Morgan, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, sent the group a letter this week telling them not to put their health at risk for the administration's attention because UF is already aware of the group's requests, UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said. There are no current plans for meetings between Machen and SDS, who have met three times before, Sikes said. Machen could not be reached for comment.
Student Body President Ryan Moseley said he met with the group on Tuesday and was still reviewing the proposals before taking a stance.
Richard Gutierrez, an English and history senior and SDS member, said he told friends and family that his part in the strike would end when he passed out. That day was Tuesday. Gutierrez said he fainted on his bicycle while waiting at a stop sign.
"The next thing I can remember, some guy got out of a car and asked if I was OK," he said. "The walk home was a blur."
Once he was home, he gave in for health's sake and had a strawberry yogurt.
Changing UF's endowment policy to be more transparent is something Machen couldn't do alone, but his word would have a big influence, Gutierrez said.
UF's Investment Corporation, a nonprofit organization that handles UF's investments, keeps its records private. SDS has demanded a policy change as well as a student-and-faculty committee appointed to advise the Board of Trustees on socially responsible investments.
SDS member Skeet Surrency, an organic and sustainable agriculture junior, said the group would send Machen a letter inviting him to discuss the issue over lunch Friday. Surrency, who is only drinking juice while on strike, said he doesn't expect Machen to show, but the group would be in the Reitz Union waiting.
"If he was really concerned about our health, he would show up with an open mind and perhaps with an apology for the way things have been handled this past year," Surrency said.
