April 29, 8:04 p.m.
**The student has elected to remain anonymous for safety reasons.**
A student representative camping out on the Main Quad spoke with The Daily Illini about their experiences inside the encampment over the last couple of days, along with how they hope the encampment is viewed by members of the community.
“We definitely plan on staying,” the student said. “We’re hoping to get more people to sleep here so we can sustain the camp longer. It seems like more people are going to come, especially without the possibility of rain.”
The student encouraged those interested in the encampment to join them, emphasizing the laid-back environment the place is trying to promote.
“We want to let people know this is a chill area. If you need to study here or take a nap, go ahead. We have a library if you need to read,” the student said. “We’re going to screen a movie … which I’m personally really excited for.”
While the protesters aren’t approaching passersby to join, they welcome any who inquire to stay.
“We always tell them they’re welcome to any food snacks if they want to lay down, even if they want to sleep in a tent,” the student said. “I just don’t know how safe it is for (us) to ask people.”
The group continues to stand firm in its position, with plans to continue indefinitely until negotiations are made to their liking. Even with the weather last night tents remained dry and they haven’t run into problems worth noting.
“I think it was my tent that got a little rain in but there was night patrol and I was like ‘Could you guys put a tarp on my tent?’ And it was perfectly fine,” the student said. “We have shifts. We make sure everyone gets enough sleep.”
However, the student noted that conditions make sleep sometimes difficult.
“I tried to go to sleep and it was hard to because (there are) so many unknowns,” the student said. “I just got anxious.”
The encampment acknowledges that burnout is a potential but they are set on avoiding that by considering everyone’s condition.
“Every decision we make, we make together with the full camp. We always make sure to get temperature checks and (ask) how they’re feeling,” the student explained. “We want to make sure everyone’s the most comfortable protesting.”
With the encampment on the Main Quad approaching its third day, hygiene and other needs are vital. So far, protesters have had systems in place for dealing with this.
“For bathrooms, well, during the day all the buildings were open. I don’t know if I should disclose where we go at night just in case it’s a risk,” the student said. “We try to go home and change and shower as fast as humanly possible. When we’re away from the camp for too long, we get anxious.”
At this moment, there have been no reports of serious reasons for departing the encampment such as exhaustion or illness among its members.
“Thankfully we have been OK,” said the student. “People have been really caring. You can feel a strong sense of community.”
