Several students at HLS said they appreciated the rally's message.

"It's important because it's a consciousness-raising activity," said Makambo Tschionyi, a second-year HLS student. "At the law school, people here need to look less at immediate self-gratification and focus more on the community at large."

The formal rally ended at the law school, but about 100 demonstrators planned to reconvene for a "sleep-out" at 9 p.m.

Demonstrators planned to pitch tents in the Yard, light candles, hear worker testimony and enjoy the music of FinkFankFunk, a student band.

But as darkness fell, so did the rain.

At 9 p.m., about 30 protesters gathered in front of the Science Center to discuss plans. After a lengthy debate, they decided to progress with the event, but in modified format.

"Because there were a lot of us here willing to stick it out through the rain, we thought it would be worthwhile not to quit and go home," said Eleanor I. Benko '02, a PSLM member.

Students camped out in front of the Science Center instead of in the Yard, and FinkFankFunk did not perform.