Students Praised for Hunger Strike Effort

WASHINGTON - A little lighter on their feet, students received some praise from lawmakers after a successful hunger strike at Georgetown University.

The students broke their fast Thursday after University President John DeGioia agreed to raise wages for contract workers to what the students consider a living wage.

D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton met with students and DeGioia, and congratulated both sides on getting the living wage increased.

Food service staff, security guards and parking attendants will earn at least $13 an hour on July 1. In 2007, the wage goes up to $14, including benefit packages.

Freshman Zack Pesavento, who was sent to the hospital Wednesday with dehydration and a racing heartbeat, says it was all worth it.

"A university that preaches its morals needs to practice it too."

About 50 professors signed on with the students' campaign, which began March 15.

Norton, who is also a Georgetown law professor, says the student activism sends a strong message for social justice. She says other universities in the city should raise their wages as well to be fair and equitable.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)