Data center protests at OU meet administrative lag

On March 19, students and community members at Oakland University staged a protest against the proposed construction of a data center on campus. Demonstrators gathered at Elliott Tower before marching to Wilson Hall, expressing concerns about the project's transparency, environmental impact, and whether student needs were being prioritized over profit. Student protester Anikya Whitner emphasized the need for more information about the development. Protesters highlighted that the data center, slated to replace Parking Lot 35 and extend near the university’s biological preserve and a Native American heritage site, poses risks of noise pollution, ecological disruption, and impacts on wildlife and green spaces. They also warned about the facility’s high energy and water usage, which could strain existing infrastructure and increase utility costs. Lilia Stenger questioned the project's worth given its environmental toll, while Jahzeel Hernandez pointed to the university's existing infrastructure challenges and perceived the project as purely profit-driven. Stephen W. Mackey, senior vice president for finance and administration and treasurer to the Board of Trustees, confirmed that the university is in a feasibility phase with Fairmont Properties, evaluating power supply, internet capacity, and site options. Mackey stressed that the project is not finalized and requires multiple approvals, including environmental and financial viability assessments, with a potential board presentation in June. A campus town hall meeting is also planned to gather feedback. Despite the administration's assurances, protesters voiced frustration over the lack of open dialogue, claiming their concerns are often dismissed in favor of profit-oriented considerations during official meetings. The demonstration, sponsored by various student political clubs, united students across party lines in their demand for greater transparency and engagement from the university regarding the data center's development.