The sit-in came after a university committee turned down a call for UNC-CH to join a program that the protesters claimed would improve wages and conditions for workers who make clothing with the university logo, The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C., reported.

The students had been protesting for three weeks at the university's administration building, but until Friday had observed ground rules for the protest set by campus officials. One of the rules was not to occupy any offices.

The students wanted the university to join the Designated Suppliers Program, which would require purchasing a percentage of clothing made by factories that pay workers a living wage. More than 40 universities have joined the program, students said in a press release Thursday night.

Protesters also have been arrested in similar sit-ins at Penn State University, the University of Montana and Appalachian State University.