Response & Escalation
Chancellor Thomas H. Eliot met with ABC protesters and allies as they occupied the space. ABC protesters agreed that the officer be fired for the now popularized misconduct, but Eliot disclaimed that there would have to be a hearing of this case of misconduct first. The representatives then demanded that the officer at least turn his badge in for the time being. Because of Eliot's refusal, the occupation of Brookings Hall continued.
As the day became more intense, there was threat from white student groups to form counter protests that would take attention from that of the Association of Black Collegians. ABC deliberately ensured to take up space in occupying the accounts payable office near the basement of Brookings Hall to ensure safety for themselves in such a valued office. As this occurred, Arts and Sciences faculty initiated a meeting in Graham Chapel and ultimately voted to endorse the creation of a Black studies program, championing one if the demands of ABC.