Back Hoe And Fire Trucks Brought To Gallaudet

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In the latest action of a two week protest at Gallaudet University, a bulldozer and then fire trucks were called in this morning.

The university's facilities department brought in the back hoe to pile up protestors' belongings, but it also knocked over a hot charcoal grill. The DC Fire Department responed to extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, student protestors at the Brentwood Gate say they were hurt in a melee with security officers.

Overnight, more than 50 demonstrators occupied the first floor of the main administration building around three a.m. Leaders said they acted in support of hunger strikers who've fasted for several days near the school's main gate.

This is part of a demonstration that intensified more than two weeks ago with the blockade of most of the school's gated entrances.

Gallaudet spokeswoman Mercy Coogan says campus security officers are in the process of reopening College Hall so administrators can pursue their duties.

Protesters are calling for the resignation of Jane Fernandes who is expected to become president in January. They also want the presidential search process reopened.

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