The protests at Howard University this month serve as a notable example of civil disobedience for political and social activists across the nation. Despite their massive numbers, the students at Washington D.C.'s predominantly black college changed the political injustice they set out to change in a peaceful manner.

Upset over the selection of Republican National Committee chairman Lee Atwater to the school's predominantly black board of trustees, an estimated 2,000 students reacted quickly -- taking over an auditorium stage and an administration building in efforts to convey their disappointment and disgust with the selection.

During the past few weeks, many students and staff here have questioned similar on-campus demonstrations. The phrases "what do the black students want" and "stopping traffic won't change anything" are stated and heard repeatedly.

Yet exemplary demonstrations at Howard show demonstrations and protests can accomplish tangible goals.

The students demanded that Atwater, who had been appointed by Howard University president James Cheek, either resign or be removed from the board. While they negotiated throughout the week-long demonstration, the protesters refused to give up occupation of the buildings until their chief demand was met.

At first Atwater refused to step down, claiming his input was valuable and vital to the trustees. The students, however, persisted and Atwater eventually resigned.

Howard students then used Atwater as a springboard to draw attention to other serious issues, including security, inept processing of financial aid and a curriculum they say has an "inclination towards eurocentricity."

Howard students justifiably were upset with Atwater's appointment to the board of trustees for many reasons. Exploitation of the Willie Horton furlough issue received the most publicity, as Atwater used Horton during the Bush campaign to contribute to the rising tide of anti-black sentiment of Americans. The students claimed this facilitated the election of former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke to the Louisiana State Legislature."

Additionally -- according to an outline of student demands -- "he has consistently opposed the agenda of the African people," primarily by opposing the Civil and Voting Rights Act of 1964-65, the Civil Rights Restoration Act, affirmative action and set asides.

They contested that Atwater opposes the appointment of black judges and endorsed the appointment of Judge Robert Bork. In addition, Atwater "supports the racist apartheid regime of Azania (South Africa)."

Finally, the students claim "Lee Atwater's purpose in becoming a member of the Board of Trustees is to strengthen the Republican party by exploiting an increasing economic class division within the black community."

These students had the foresight to recognize that despite Atwater's efforts to make amends with the black community by playing the guitar with B.B. King, a person's official actions hold more weight than public relations stints.

Although the administration erred in appointing Atwater, they did not take a reactionary stance when the students engaged in a takeover and none of the protesters were arrested.

The students successfully destroyed a contemporary myth that protesters practicing civil disobedience have no real agenda and gather over only trivial, mundane issues.

The protests at Howard are a refreshing signal that if the masses are mobilized and take a firm stand on an issue, eventually the power structure will be forced to stand up, acknowledge the masses and make themselves accountable.