Police around Lenoir Hall
In February 1969, some cafeteria workers went on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. In support, members of the BSM and some white students staged various protests, including a slowdown of the cafeteria serving lines. In March, students overturned some tables, and Governor Robert Scott placed state police around Lenoir Hall. Students then started a Soul Food Cafeteria as an alternative to Lenoir Hall, and Governor Scott threatened to evict them. Local police persuaded the students to leave before a confrontation developed. Friday and Sitterson agreed to pay raises and other benefits for the workers but soon turned the cafeteria over to a private company. The workers went on strike again in December, and Friday again helped settle the dispute.