Though a guard stood outside the campus’ Bank of America branch on Friday, the five Washington University students protesting the “corporate greed” of big banks that day didn’t require police restraint. The students were calling on their peers to boycott large banks and move their accounts to small, local banks or credit unions.

In a reversal of a decision announced last month, Bank of America announced Tuesday that it will not charge customers a $5 monthly fee for using a debit card to purchase items. The Bank’s initial decision announced on Oct. 1 sparked considerable backlash among its customers; an online petition against the fees at change.

Students have voiced aggravation with Bank of America’s recent decision to start charging $5 per month for the use of its debit cards. Many said that, while they understand that the fees were added in response to new economic pressures, they are still unhappy with the change. Some said they are considering other banking options as a result.

The Occupy Wall Street movement has come to St. Louis and members of the Washington University community are getting involved. The movement originated in New York City last month as a protest of corporate greed and the nation’s current economic policies. St. Louis residents have claimed Kiener Plaza, in downtown St.

Starting Friday, students will have to go off campus for their banking needs. The Bank of America located on the second floor of Mallinckrodt Center will be closed from the end of the business day on Friday until July 4 because of renovations in the building. Administrators hope that the closing will have a minimal effect on students.

Washington University stopped taking money from Bank of America whenever the bank sold a special credit card to students here, just three months after universities had to start disclosing credit card agreements under a new law.

Dozens of students and local community members pitched tents and camped out in downtown St. Louis Wednesday night to kick off a series of demonstrations aimed at rallying the community to stand up against corporate power.

Although the lunchtime crowds have moved to the Danforth University Center and plans for renovation have been delayed, Mallinckrodt Center still plays a major function in programming by Washington University’s student groups.