PSU president: Library restoration likely to exceed $1 million
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Major improvements are already apparent inside the Portland State University library that was occupied for days on end by anti-war protesters earlier this month, causing extensive damage. However, a more comprehensive estimate of bringing the library fully back online is likely to incur a steeper price tag than initially announced, officials said.
Though there is still some broken glass and graffiti, nearly all the dry walls have now been repainted, an improvement since KOIN 6 News toured the Millar Library last week.
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Even as progress in the cleanup is being made, PSU President Ann Cudd said they are now focused on repairing the still-fraught climate on campus following protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“It’s still exceedingly sad to walk in here and see the scars of the protest, still so prominent in this important building, rendered basically unusable for our campus community,” Cudd said.
The damage to the library will ultimately cost the university $750,000 to repair, Cudd said. The building is expected to be unusable to students until at least next fall.
The steep price tag is slated to cover labor costs, graffiti removal and sprinkler repairs. However, Cudd said the estimate does not yet include replacing damaged technology or furniture. She said she expects the final estimate to surpass $1 million.
Students who spoke with KOIN 6 News had mixed reactions to the school administration’s handling of the occupation, including the use of police force getting involved, as well as Cudd’s ongoing pause with Boeing amid student calls to cut ties.
“There’s no amount of property damage or occupation of anything that could even amount to the amount of destruction that’s happening on the other side of the world,” said Rachel, a PSU student.
“I don’t accept any violence or any destruction of property,” said Umair, another PSU student. “But at the same time, you know, sometimes, in order to express yourself, and in order for people to listen, you have to kind of show a little bit more energy.”
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The university said much of the damage will be covered by insurance. Even still, PSU will have to pay $100,000 out of pocket. Cudd said ultimately that cost will likely be funded by students and the State of Oregon.
Officials said university staff could likely move back into the library in June. However, the computers and services won’t be online for students until the original fall semester deadline.
Until then, the university is offering alternative study spaces and accommodations for students.
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