I spent 9 days reporting as part of CitrusTV’s coverage of a sit-in protest taking place at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center held in response to the university’s handling of racist graffiti found in a residence hall. During the course of the sit-in, there were more than 10 incidents of racist and bias-related incidents reported across campus. Continue reading to see, in chronological order, some of my reporting both on-air and on Twitter.
New: Chancellor Syverud says he’s “dissapointed” members of SU’s leadership team didn’t act more “swiftly and broadly” to inform students about racist graffiti found in Day Hall. He adds repercussions from the incident are “far-reaching and are a concern to us all.”@CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 12, 2019
I’m here at a Syracuse RHA open forum where racist Day Hall graffiti will be discussed. We aren’t being allowed to record audio to protect students privacy – just video from the back. RHA does say they will live stream the forum on Insta. I’ll provide updates for @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/GPvXY7uYtD
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 13, 2019
Alford responds to questions about how long it took to alert the campus community by saying it is “about the care of the students.”
He is going to tell the Chancellor they need to make better communication a priority.
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 13, 2019
HAPPENING NOW: Students are holding a silent demonstration in the Barnes Center at the Arch. We will have updates throughout the day. @RickyReports is there now. pic.twitter.com/MgZzsokTr4
— CitrusTV News (@CitrusTVNews) November 13, 2019
Here’s the video of Chancellor Syverud’s remarks I promised earlier. Protesters asked Syverud to respond to their list of demands. He said he would need to speak to staff first and then walked out. @CitrusTVNews https://t.co/qL9IGeliUW
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 13, 2019
#NotAgainSU protests are still taking place here at the Barnes Center. Complete coverage on @CitrusTVNews Live at 6. pic.twitter.com/XgsTD9Cyo7
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 13, 2019
Emotion in the room here at the #NotAgainSU protest is extremely high as the Q&A reaches hour 4. Students are reaching their breaking point as they face administrators directly. Some are crying. Others yelling in frustration. Overall reminiscent of Theta Tau. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/1q4toDRbSf
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 13, 2019
There’s a lot more students who are sitting now that we’ve had a break. But now administrators have left the room. #NotAgainSU protest leaders tell us they don’t know if they will return, but they hope they will so the Q&A can continue. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/TNOsXOq184
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
My report tonight on @CitrusTVNews about today’s #NotAgainSU protests: https://t.co/vQktqDkKSH
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
Dean Rob Hradsky clarifies to @CitrusTVNews that he didn’t say SU is committing 1 million dollars to developing a required diversity curriculum. During the #NotAgainSU Q&A he said he thought it would cost more than a million. Some students took that as a commitment. @CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
They’ve been here 25 hours. They plan to be here many more.#NotAgainSU protesters are still occupying Syracuse’s Barnes Center. The current plan is to stay until demands are met. If that doesn’t happen by November 20th they’ll call for the Chancellor’s resignation@CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/MNQhIb27Za
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
WATCH: Syracuse student Kai Wright spoke with us about the administration’s response to the #NotAgainSU demands: pic.twitter.com/VrdtXfse38
— CitrusTV News (@CitrusTVNews) November 14, 2019
I asked #NotAgainSU student Kai Wright for her response to new racist graffiti found in the Physics building – this time derogatory towards Asians. “It upsets me that people are willing to do that, but I think it’s reflective of exactly why were here,” she said. @CitrusTVNews https://t.co/2R2ieeknQV
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
I just spoke with both Chief Diversity Officer Keith Alford and Dean of Students Rob Hradsky. They are both not aware of the swastika found in the snow near the 505 on Walnut. DPS Chief Bobby Maldanado says it’s a DPS matter and that they have been called.@CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
Chief Diversity Officer Keith Alford just sent out the following statement concerning the swastika found near the 505 on Walnut:@CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/7YuNHIl2eV
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 14, 2019
They are staying the night.
In a unanimous vote, #NotAgainSU protesters decided they will risk receiving conduct violations by staying past 1 am. @CitrusTVNews https://t.co/bms6k1eJBB— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
BREAKING: There will be no students sanctioned tonight. #NotAgainSU protest leaders say SU officials have told them they will not receive code of conduct violations if they stay past 1 am. @CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
It’s nearly midnight in the Barnes Center where the #NotAgainSU protest is about to enter a third calendar day. Here’s the latest:@CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/SvRsCGek5k
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
It’s 1 am in the Barnes Center.
This was the original deadline given to get out or face code of conduct sanctions. But that isn’t happening as Syracuse University will now let them stay the night penalty-free. The latest from the #NotAgainSU protests: @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/feD1bTgFJC— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
Good morning.
Students are waking up to news of more racist imagery/language found on or near campus. It’s the 4th time in as many days.
Some students can’t fathom why their peers would do this. But for others, it couldn’t be more clear. They blame SU@CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
Chancellor Syverud is here at the #NotAgainSU protest. He’s engaged in a Q&A with students. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/pSIuslWHGT
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
Chancellor Syverud didn’t fully close the books here on protesters being disciplined. He said to the extent of that it needs to stay peaceful – what he considers peaceful is unclear. @CitrusTVNews https://t.co/v7RWflyo4f
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 15, 2019
Why I chased after the Chancellor to ask this question: Syverud didn’t fully commit to meeting all #NotAgainSU demands today. He said he’d give and sign a “detailed response” to demands next week. I wanted to know if it meant he would commit to meeting all demands. @CitrusTVNews https://t.co/7DsAyfEEYl
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
Democratic congressional candidate Dana Balter just arrived at the #NotAgainSU protests at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center. She plans to speak with the students. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/OyghnHIq3c
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
BREAKING: #NotAgainSU has significantly expanded upon their original list of 10 demands for Syracuse University. There are now 18 demands as well as 3 pages of “expansions” to those demands. Read them here. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/CVARV54xOs
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
NYS Assemblymen William Magnarelli’s advice for #NotAgainSU protesters concerned SU administration: “Don’t let them win.”@CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/oxgTCj5Inj
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
New York State Senator Rachel May spoke with #NotAgainSU protesters here at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center a short time ago.
“I applaud you and my heart is with you,” she told them. We’ll have the video for you soon. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/iFsZhMzNah
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
We just spoke with a Cornell student who is standing in solidarity with #NotAgainSU protesters. He sees the change protesters have already achieved here and is hoping to bring ideas back to Cornell, where he says admin responded poorly to similar incidents. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/4coR1Yosge
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
BREAKING: Barnes Center staff are now asking people entering the Barnes, “are you here to work out or for the event.” Students working out are being told to use another entrance. This prevents students from walking through the #NotAgainSU protest. @CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
Jim Boeheim just came to the #NotAgainSU protests at the Barnes Center. He says he supports the movement 100%. @CitrusTVNews will have video up soon. pic.twitter.com/NNaM0s9Eg3
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
WATCH: Coach Jim Boeheim stopped by the Barnes Center and spoke with #NotAgainSU protesters. pic.twitter.com/3OivaYbrA2
— CitrusTV News (@CitrusTVNews) November 16, 2019
Full Jim Boeheim #NotAgainSU Clip: https://t.co/BbKXokREzz
Boeheim spent 15 minutes yesterday meeting with protesters. “The statement that you made hurt a lot of people,” a student told him when he arrived. The Syracuse HC says he supports them 100%.
A @CitrusTVNews #Exclusive pic.twitter.com/sEVgdclZC7
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 17, 2019
Mayor Walsh is speaking to #NotAgainSU protesters right now. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/WSmFrS4yls
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
Here’s what Syracuse Mayor Walsh had to say to #NotAgainSU protesters here at the Barnes Center as well the mayor’s response to my question about why racist imagery and messages keeps being found on or near campus. @CitrusTVNews https://t.co/AK89PZazOt
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
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Here’s Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh’s full briefing with student journalists yesterday after he spoke and responded to questions from #NotAgainSU student protesters at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center. (1/2) @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/msCpH2G5MO
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 17, 2019
.@CitrusTVNews is working to get on the air right now with events of the past few hours. Multiple new bias incidents have been reported on campus. The Mayor of Syracuse came to speak with #NotAgainSU. Coach Boeheim brought food had a dialogue with students. The latest: pic.twitter.com/sxHia8POZ3
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
BREAKING: #NotAgainSU protesters are moving outside. They are chanting “not again” at people walking to tonight’s Syracuse basketball game. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/17CaiZPzky
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
#NotAgainSU to people walking to tonight’s Syracuse basketball game: “Racism lives here. You are complicit.” @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/82lPzOfJYe
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 16, 2019
Some #NotAgainSU protesters say they have been given word they are allowed to put up posters in residence halls. A student put this one up in Sadler Hall. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/jmxCv1GIha
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 17, 2019
Syracuse University overnight suspended the social activities of all fraternities on campus until semester’s end after a report members & guests of a fraternity yelled the “N-word” at a black woman last night. This as #NotAgainSU protests reach a 5th calendar day. @CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 17, 2019
It’s a new week at Syracuse University.
But that doesn’t mean anything has changed. #NotAgainSU protesters are still at the Barnes Center. None of the people who wrote racist graffiti have been identified. Some students are still afraid to walk alone at night.@CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 18, 2019
#NotAgainSU protesters are now inviting Chancellor Syverud to read his signed response to their 18 demands at 7pm Wednesday @ Hendricks Chapel. If he dosen’t agree to fully meet their demands by 5pm they say they will call for his resignation @CitrusTVNews
(#NotAgainSU graphic) pic.twitter.com/nWOoaXd8mq— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 18, 2019
New: Syracuse University is requiring everyone in Greek Life to sit for racism and implicit bias training, according to Dean of Students Marianne Thomson. New fraternity members will need to sit for required Title IX and healthy masculinity training. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/PegnTKYkJv
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
Students are now calling on Syracuse University to cancel classes. They are concerned for their own safety to simply walk across campus. They worry about going in their own campus library after reports a white supremacist manifesto was airdropped to students at Bird@CitrusTVNews https://t.co/aVFEQt8JnF
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
The #NotAgainSU movement is now calling on Syracuse University to cancel classes until further notice. Students are on edge after an eventful night on campus that saw reports of a white supremacist manifesto being shared. @CitrusTVNews is working to confirm more details for you. https://t.co/i0D6HcsabR pic.twitter.com/liLtJk6kD6
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
We’re continuing to hear about more Syracuse University professors who are cancelling classes in the midst of fear on campus. Meanwhile we know the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School have emailed students saying they will operate as normal. @CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
One of the smaller marks of the #NotAgainSU movement I have seen across the Syracuse University campus. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/hUxrHKYZdD
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
We’re at Syracuse Police Headquarters waiting for a 1pm update about the recent events at Syracuse University. The latest: @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/MOjcgJOt36
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
Governor Cuomo on Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud: “Despite his efforts, I do not believe Chancellor Syverud has handled this matter in a way that instills confidence.”@CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
Syracuse University’s response to #NotAgainSU‘s demands is being read out to protesters. Students not happy code of conduct changes won’t be implemented until August 2020. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/biKuo1QjN3
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
The Occupation Continues: #NotAgainSU is giving students until tommorow to decide if they think the University’s response to their demands is sufficient. But for now they will continue to occupy Syracuse University’s Barnes Center. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/yckl0w8b8h
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 19, 2019
DPS is confirming another unsettling incident on campus: 2 students reported seeing a naked man exiting his vehicle around 1 am this morning. He was heading east on Harrison Street toward Walnut Park. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/UR376YJyEu
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 20, 2019
Watch: How did #NotAgainSU react to Syracuse University’s official response to their demands. My report tonight from @CitrusTVNews Live at 6 is below. pic.twitter.com/8lGrDTsIk8
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 20, 2019
BREAKING: #NotAgainSU protesters collectively decided this AM if they will accept Syracuse Chancellor Syverud’s response to their 18 demands. They aren’t telling us the outcome. We will find out if they accept SU’s response as meeting their demands tonight at 7. @CitrusTVNews
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 20, 2019
New: Students could receive compensatory damages from SU if they file a complaint with NYS about being discriminated against. A New York State Division of Human Rights representative is on Syracuse University’s campus, @CitrusTVNews has learned. Students can learn more from them.
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 20, 2019
Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud on the verge of tears during today’s USenate meeting discussing raising a mixed race family in the south: “My kids were threatened. My wife was subjected to many racial epithets. Their car tires were slashed. My kid’s dog was shot.” @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/9WNiGnVAF3
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 20, 2019
Carrier Dome staff have blocked off the pathway to the stadium where #NotAgainSU protesters chanted before Saturday’s basketball game. Staff won’t say why they blocked it off. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/VX6LFGHc17
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 20, 2019
The forum at Hendricks Chapel is starting. By the end of this forum we expect to know whether or not #NotAgainSU will accept SU’s response to their demands. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/VEACmdtA1a
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
BREAKING: #NotAgainSU rejects Syracuse Chancellor Syverud’s response to their protest demands. They say if he doesn’t sign exactly what they asked for they will call for his resignation. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/POs8wmRlz7
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
BREAKING: Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud just told #NotAgainSU protesters he can’t tonight sign all their demands tonight. Protesters starting putting their coats on and now they are leaving Hendricks chanting “Sign or resign.” @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/dH0XsjvjZu
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
Leaving Hendricks Chapel to follow protesters tonight, I didn’t have a “camera,” so I jumped on the @CitrusTVNews account and live streamed as students marched to Syracuse Chancellor Syverud’s house. https://t.co/XfBfcyjPVj
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
“Sign or resign” – It’s the message #NotAgainSU chanted as they protested outside of Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud’s house tonight. They still want him to sign their 18 demands. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/i1EGWCmNjb
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
BREAKING: Protesters are back inside Syracuse University’s Barnes
Center after Chancellor Syverud told them at Hendricks that he would not sign their demands tonight. The latest on the quickly moving developments: @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/A1FY5frb6n— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
And almost as if on cue, we just received an email from Provost Michele Wheatly confirming there will be classes today (and tomorrow) but that any and all absences will be excused.@CitrusTVNews https://t.co/BgRyKARoVE pic.twitter.com/SvLINolnzu
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
BREAKING: Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud puts pen to paper, signs 16 of the 19 demands coming from #NotAgainSU and international students. Will protesters accept Syverud’s revisions on 3 demands? The latest:@CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/3yCaKJIRkI
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
Important Update: SPD says this WAS NOT racist graffiti. Rather it was made to show support for the protest movement on Syracuse’s campus.@CitrusTVNews https://t.co/tBkPGUykFR
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
I haven’t seen the Barnes Center this empty since the #NotAgainSU sit-in started over a week ago. Many students, clearly exhausted, went home last night. But protesters still have a presence here as the occupation continues at Syracuse University.@CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/Uc2Ewm3ZjQ
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
Here are revisions Chancellor Syverud made to #NotAgainSU demands:
– Strike “identities” from the housing portal demand
– “Urge” Board of Trustees to have an open forum
– Only make diversity training status of tenured profs available up to extent permitted by law @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/BxYbdZuAYb— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
Campus is quiet today. With fear among students and many professors canceling classes, there simply isn’t much of a reason to venture out. Instead, Syracuse students are venturing somewhere else: home. They are heading home early on their Thanksgiving breaks. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/9pIPSqxxhZ
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
New: #NotAgainSU protesters plan to donate their stockpiled food to local food pantries tonight and tommorow. The students still say they haven’t come to a final decision on the future of their sit-in at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/0DonszzR4L
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 21, 2019
BREAKING: #NotAgainSU says they are “de-occupying” the Barnes Center ahead of Thanksgiving Break. The movement though continues as protesters continue to call for Chancellor Syverud’s resignation. They reject his revisions to their demands. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/1KMm5q0TU1
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 22, 2019
Watch: #NotAgainSU explains why they’re still calling for Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud to resign, despite him signing most of their demands. Shortly after this protesters began to pack up their sit-in and leave the Barnes Center for at least Thanksgiving Break. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/tjIhpFP78o
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 22, 2019
#NotAgainSU protesters last night removed their list of demands from the Barnes Center as their sit-in came to a close. They did so very carefully, believing they are a historic set of documents that could be valuable to the Syracuse University archives. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/ZHInSLJWUi
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 22, 2019
The Barnes Center is quiet tonight. Posters removed, tables and chairs back in place. A few leaves taking the place of personal belongings scattered on the floor. I’ll have one last video report on the #NotAgainSU sit-in protest posted tommorow. @CitrusTVNews pic.twitter.com/KsYokfz6X2
— Ricky ”Reports” Sayer (@RickyReports) November 23, 2019
RickyReports.TV 