“Starving for Diversity” read the sign propped against the front steps of Beardshear Hall.

Nearly 20 protesters gathered behind the sign wearing red arm bands while sitting on sleeping bags.

The protesters represented various organizations, from The September 29th Movement to the Asian-Pacific American Awareness Coalition, but their purpose was the same: to show their support of student Allan Nosworthy’s interrupted hunger strike by having one of their own.

The protesters, rallied by Lang Tran, president of the Vietnamese Student Association, gathered on the stairs and lawn of Beardshear Hall at 8 a.m. Tuesday. The students committed to fasting and drinking only water until 8 a.m. Wednesday.

“There were people coming and going on the steps of Beardshear Hall all day,” Lang said.

He estimated at one time nearly 40 people were protesting and said about 20 people were expected to sleep on the steps Tuesday night.

Tran said although he feared the protesters would be asked to leave at first, as of Tuesday night no one had received a request to vacate the premises.

Movement member Allan Nosworthy began his hunger strike Monday, Sept. 22. He said he would continue until the administration agreed to meet with the Movement.

Nosworthy wants the university to adopt his eight proposals to help increase diversity and multiculturalism on campus. The eight steps include adopting an Asian-American studies program and renaming Catt Hall.

“We are supporting the strength of his convictions,” Tran said. “We’re only going through a fraction of what his experience was.”

Nosworthy was hospitalized Saturday afternoon, when he started experiencing stomach pains. He was released from the hospital Tuesday.

In response to some individuals’ claims that Nosworthy is doing nothing more than committing suicide, many protesters had strong words for the opposition.

“There have been many great leaders who have had to go beyond their own personal needs to achieve a goal,” Grif Kolberg, vice president of APAAC, said. “Calling his actions suicide simplifies his actions.”

Other protesters agreed.

“They obviously don’t even see Nosworthy’s purpose,” Suong Phan, member of VSA , said.

According to Tran’s press release, Nosworthy’s eight proposals were more than “renaming Catt Hall. There are eight requests in total, and they all call for positive change at Iowa State.”

“I always question the word ‘diversity,'” Kolberg said. “I have the sense that [the administration] uses that word to enhance their public persona or image, but it’s a different thing to act upon diversity.”

Kohlberg said he has already learned a lot about European-colonial history, and he would like the opportunity to learn about his Asian American ancestors.

Kohlberg also pointed out the Asian Americans are the second largest minority at ISU, and they don’t have an Asian American studies program.

Tran said ISU doesn’t offer such programs because “we’ve been quiet, and we’ve never demanded one.”

“For a long time Asian students have been quiet about issues concerning diversity and concerning them,” Tran said.

“We’re here to let people know we’re not going to be standing back anymore, and we’re not going to let other people fight our fight.”

“We do have a voice, and it will be strong,” Tran said.

The crowd, however, didn’t seem optimistic that Jischke would listen to their proposals.

“I hope the proposals will be met,” Kristin Williamson, member of the Movement, said. “Realistically, with everything the administration has said and done so far, I don’t think it will happen.”

Other students were equally “realistic.”

“After all, it took them 22 years to rename Jack Trice Stadium,” Kohlberg said.

Other organizations who had members present were the Black Student Alliance and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Alliance.