Students occupy auditorium in Fine Arts Building, one door padlocked

This is a developing story.

Police arrived on the scene at about 9 p.m. at an occupation staged by approximately 30 people in Fine Arts 015, the auditorium in the Fine Arts Building. No arrests were made.

Police asked the protesters, some of whom were using code names and wearing bandanas over their faces, to move their bikes, which were parked illegally outside of the building. Protesters told the police that the occupation was a "gun free zone," and began chanting "Less guns, more bikes."

After this, at around 9:35 p.m., the protesters put padlocks on one of the doors. All of the other doors remain open.

The police left around 9:40 p.m.

Occupy IU posted a statement on its Facebook page, saying "Fine Arts Room 015 has been occupied as a liberated space in which to express discontent with the University establishment. The intent is to hold this space for the purposes of planning for the IU Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday and Friday and generalized creative dissent. All are welcome."

The protesters have set up a table with food in the auditorium. They also brought a mattress and discussed staying the entire night. The Fine Arts Building is open until 2 a.m. because it is a public building, but the people occupying discussed staying until after that.

Keep checking idsnews.com for updates.

— Mark Keierleber