A peaceful two-day sit-in protesting marine recruitment at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) ended Thursday, minutes before the deadline set by school officials.

The sit-in, sponsored by a pacifist organization identifying itself as the Veterans Coalition for Community Affairs, held Memorial hall for 24 hours, during which "business was allowed to carry on as usual," Richard B. Shanor, a spokesman for the administration, said.

"The protesters demanded that no military presence be maintained on campus, that the administration oppose military flights over the campus and try to ban them, and that the University disclose its federal defense contracts," Shanor said.

The students, threatened with a court injunction by the administration, vacated the building at 5 p.m. Thursday.