Uproar over flag protest prompts Valdosta State University in south Georgia to cancel classes
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Uproar over a protest in which demonstrators walked on an American flag has prompted a south Georgia university to cancel classes ahead of a rally expected to draw crowds of flag supporters to Valdosta.
Valdosta State University posted a message on its website saying Friday classes were canceled "in the interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff." A large rally in support of the American flag is planned outside the campus Friday afternoon.
WALB-TV (http://bit.ly/1DXwIWp ) reports the outcry began a week ago after student demonstrators walked on an American flag to protest racism. An Air Force veteran, Michelle Manhart, took the flag from protesters. She was later banned from campus.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Safety concerns at Valdosta State grew after police said they found a gun inside a protester's backpack.
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Information from: WALB-TV, http://www.walb.com/