After short speeches by representatives of the Massachusetts Green Party and Boston Global Action Network--each applauding the students for their social conscience--the group rallied around four anti-sweatshop cheerleaders, including Jane Martin '01.

The cheerleaders wore Santa Claus hats, miniskirts, fishnet tights and combat boots.

Their cheers included the lines "Clap once for revolution, clap twice for opposition," and the refrain "We can rock the streets."

Invigorated by the cheerleaders, about half the group moved back in front of the Gap, and the crowd--on both sides of the street-- began an organized chant.

Their voices crescendoed as they yelled in unison, "CEO's don't give a crap! Boycott Nike, boycott Gap!"

Many students brought out empty water bottles and began pounding them with sticks to the beat.

As the group grew louder, two Boston police cars arrived. The police--who Denvir said had been alerted earlier of the protest--monitored the traffic to make sure that the protestors did not block the street.