Carleton students, faculty and staff rallied in the Atrium Oct. 18, demanding responses and accountability from university administration on a range of issues including the creation of a sexual assault centre on campus, pension plan divestment from weapons manufacturing, more student space, job security, reduced privatization of campus services and respect for unions.

Over 50 students took part in the demonstration, which was organized by Campus United, a coalition of staff and student unions.

Protestors marched into the Atrium toting picket signs and staged a sit-in, chanting slogans such as “Take back our campus” and “Students united will never be defeated.”

Rideau River Residence Association president Karim Khamisa said the battle between students and administration has been ongoing.

“Students are asking for answers ­— they [the administration] need to be accountable to students,” he said.

“We are the foundations of the university, and administration is not taking us seriously,” said Mauricio Buschinelli, a fourth-year aerospace engineering student.

“We respect their right to ask questions and express their views on the issues that are of concern to them,” said Jason MacDonald, director of the department of university communications.

Prior to the protest, MacDonald said there was regular communication between administration and the parties involved.

“Members of the administration regularly communicate and exchange views with members of the community through a variety of channels,” MacDonald said.

He added that the administration meets and emails regularly with representatives from staff, faculty and students.

“The university continues to be forthcoming with information and in some cases has created opportunities for the Carleton community to provide input,” he said.

Yet, members are left wanting more.

According to MacDonald, the Coalition for Sexual Assault and Equity Services have proposed moving towards a shared space for improved sexual assault support services.

Patrizia Gentile, a women’s and gender studies professor and activist for equality on campus, said she did not agree the administration’s actions were a sufficient response to the need for safety on campus.

She said she wondered why concrete solutions weren’t being offered to the Carleton community.

“Why aren’t we busy finding real world solutions to real world problems, when our job at the university is to change the world?”