The fact is, September 22 does not mark the date on which Allan Nosworthy, or any other marginalized student on the Iowa State University campus, commenced losing the nutrition and sustenance necessary to carry out the everyday activities of a college student. I'll spare the reader a laundry list, though looking at Allan's requests should give some idea of the lack of sustenance available to programs which would provide a healthy learning environment for all of ISU's students. September 22 marks a date on which one student, in all disrespect to the powers that be, took control of his own health, body and learning environment. The climate of starvation has not changed between September 21 and September 22. That which has changed is rather than allowing racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ableism and oppression to control the climate of starvation, Allan Nosworthy has seized power to maintain his physical, mental and spiritual environment.
Starvation is most definitely a matter of power and control.
The difference between self-starvation and living in Mother Hubbard's kitchen is who holds the power. And now several ISU administrators have expressed concern for Allan's health. I know, that statement almost sounds like it comes from an extreme skeptic afflicted by paranoia. I wouldn't mention it, or even think it, except that I remember the lack of concern for our health just last spring when several September 29th Movement members were facing the threat of punishment for having peacefully demonstrated in Beardshear Hall. The stress of this ordeal caused many of us to not be able to eat, to hold the food down when we did eat or to sleep.