More than 100 protesters braved the chilly weather Friday afternoon to show support for the September 29th Movement’s push to rename Catt Hall.

The noon rally started at Parks Library and proceeded to the hall, where speakers criticized Catt and the university.

Milton McGriff, information director for the September 29th Movement, started the rally. McGriff said that Iowa State President Martin Jischke had insulted the Movement by his handling of the Catt issue. Jischke has been firm in his opposition to change the name.

“We want him to know that time is running out,” McGriff said. “We can’t make you do anything, but we can make you sorry that you didn’t.”

McGriff made clear, however, that the Movement is committed to non-violence. The example of Rosa Parks as one person making a difference was incorporated in McGriff’s speech addressing the question: “What can I do?” that a member of the crowd asked.

The rally was held as an anniversary to a Uhuru — a black newsletter — article published a year ago on Sept. 29. The article was critical of racist remarks made by Catt.

Catt was an ISU alumnus who was instrumental in gaining women the right to vote. In doing so, she sometimes made racist comments to influence southern white politicians. The September 29th Movement argues that because of her racist statements, the building’s name should be changed. Others feel that her remarks were acceptable in the context of the early 1900s political scene.

Allan Nosworthy, a member of the September 29th Movement and a Government of the Student Body senator, also spoke at the rally. “To name a building after a woman in 1996 who acted in such ways is unacceptable,” Nosworthy said.

Meron Wondwosen, also a member of the September 29th Movement, said in her speech that to honor Catt is unacceptable.

George Jackson, president of the NAACP’s Ames branch, was also a speaker. Jackson supported the Movement and advised minority students on campus not to accept a “minority status” just because they are not in the majority.

Derick Rollins, diversity adviser to the president’s cabinet, also spoke in favor of the Movement. He said that he had many sleepless nights about the issue.

Rollins said that a person should not be honored at the expense of dishonoring someone else.

Kathleen A. MacKay, dean of students, was present at the rally. “I think that it’s absolutely the dean’s job to help students stand up for what they believe in,” she said.

Valerie Wade, a senior in psychology, agreed. “The Movement is standing up for my rights since the university won’t,” she said.

Jane Cox, an associate professor of theater, has been one of most vocal defenders of Catt. “I did not attend the Movement’s rally, and I still have the opinion that Catt Hall should not be renamed. I have serious questions about the research that has been submitted to the public,” Cox said. “They’ve pulled one negative response out all the other positive responses.”

Cox has done extensive research on Catt for her one-person play, “The Yellow Rose of Suffrage.”

Cox said that she will not change her view until all of her questions are answered. “I have called Alan Nosworthy to discuss the material in the newsletter, and until I can discuss it with someone who has worked on the articles I will not go to another meeting.”

The September 29th Movement hosted other activities over the weekend including educational workshops and movies.