Five Columbia students will forgo food to try to force the University to change several policies. The group began a hunger strike at noon today, and they promise to continue until Columbia meets their demands.

CU Strike wants the Administration to change the Core Curriculum, expand the Ethnic Studies program, and alter Columbia's Manhattanville expansion plan. They also ask for the University to change what they believe is a hateful campus environment.

About 100 students held a candlelight vigil tonight on Low Plaza in support of the strike. The Hunger Strikers read a prepared statement of demands, and one student activist read poetry by Rumi. The participants lit their candles and walked as a group to stand on the Low steps. Vigils will be held at 9pm every night as long as the hunger strike continues.

The strikers themselves plan to brave 30-degree temperatures and sleep in tents in front of Butler Library tonight. Victoria Ruiz, CC 2010 and one of the strikers, said she's not worried about sleeping in the cold and has received blankets from supporters. The five strikers include 2 sophomores, 1 junior, and 2 senior students.

Supporters will hold a campus rally tomorrow from 12-2pm on Low Plaza.