A group of African American cheerleaders from a Georgia university joined the national protest of kneeling during the national anthem and have reportedly been harassed by local law enforcement.
On Saturday, five cheerleaders at Kennesaw State University in Georgia kneeled during the national anthem, sparking outrage from local law enforcement.
The protest was spearheaded last year by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who played for the San Francisco 49ers, in response to police brutality and racial inequality for black people.
On Saturday, five cheerleaders at Kennesaw State University in Georgia kneeled during the national anthem, sparking outrage from local law enforcement
Journalist Shaun King posted photos on his Facebook and claimed that local law enforcement had been harassing the students and their families at their homes
While the protest initially only had a few players in the NFL, comments made by President Donald Trump where he called players ‘sons of b*****s’ caused a fury of over 200 players joining the protest.
Many misunderstand the demonstration and condemn them as being disrespectful to veterans, including Cobb Sheriff Neil Warren who asserted that he could not believe his eyes.
Cobb Sheriff Neil Warren said: ‘These ill-informed students acting this way clearly tells me KSU needs to get busy educating these students on more than just passing their classes. They need to learn all that the flag truly represents.’
‘My wife, Penny, had tears in her eyes, and we were both shocked to see such a lack of respect for our flag, our national anthem and the men and women that serve our nation,’ Warren said to Marietta Daily Journal.
Warren asserted that the cheerleaders were ‘on the very soil that men and women have died overseas to protect.’
And while many veterans have spoken out in support of these demonstrations, aware of their intentions and what the flag represents to them, the sheriff also said that ‘these ill-informed students acting this way clearly tells me KSU needs to get busy educating these students on more than just passing their classes. They need to learn all that the flag truly represents.’
Warren stated that he and his wife have supported the team at KSU for years, and also have a decent relationship with KSU President Sam Olens.
‘During a recent conversation, Sam assured me that this will not happen again,’ Warren added.
‘I hope he is right because I stand with America, I stand to show respect to our military and all those that serve in public safety. Hopefully this Saturday, Penny and I can get back to enjoying our season tickets and support the many great things happening at KSU.’
The protest was spearheaded last year by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who played for the San Francisco 49ers, in response to police brutality and racial inequality for black people
State Representative Earl Ehrhart said that he received many calls from upset constituents about the demonstration. He chairs the committee that decides funding for public Georgia universities.
He said: ‘The bottom line for me in all of this is if you’re on an athletic team, I don’t care what political statement you’re making, even if it’s repugnant and hateful like the ones those cheerleaders made. Play football. Cheer. Play in the band.
State Representative Earl Ehrhart said that he received many calls from upset constituents about the demonstration. He chairs the committee that decides funding for public Georgia universities
‘If you want to make a political statement, do it in the middle of the public quad and that’s your right in this country.’
Journalist Shaun King posted photos of the protest on his Facebook and claimed that local law enforcement had been harassing the students and their families at their homes.
Comments on the post from King from folks claiming to be from the area detailed a history of racial violence from local law enforcement. Many voiced their support for the demonstration.
‘This is my local university, I know many kids who go to school here. It is shameful but unfortunately I can’t say I expected anything better from Cobb County law enforcement. I’m sorry this happened,’ said Maureen Gallagher.
‘This is my local university, I know many kids who go to school here. It is shameful but unfortunately I can’t say I expected anything better from Cobb County law enforcement. I’m sorry this happened,’ said Maureen Gallagher
It was a sentiment shared by Nicky Louise who added: ‘The exact reason for taking a knee is protesting savage law enforcement…yet they do this…shows how terribly ridiculous they are’
‘This is so freaking ridiculous and it has gotten way out of hand!!! These people don’t care about that flag that freaking much this is their way of legitimizing hate, bigotry, racism, and a reason to harm anyone who kneels for that freaking flag…..,’ added another
It was a sentiment shared by Nicky Louise who added: ‘The exact reason for taking a knee is protesting savage law enforcement…yet they do this…shows how terribly ridiculous they are.’
‘This is so freaking ridiculous and it has gotten way out of hand!!! These people don’t care about that flag that freaking much this is their way of legitimizing hate, bigotry, racism, and a reason to harm anyone who kneels for that freaking flag…..,’ added another.
Philip C Di Filippo added: ‘Ironic that in a state whose history includes an armed rebellion against that flag that they are so upset when someone takes a knee!’
And even a veteran chimed in and added: ‘This is getting outta control… it’s a peaceful protest. Not against the flag. Against inequality and injustice… I’m a veteran and I support this’
Some pointed out the hypocrisy of a state with ties to the Confederacy and its flag having an issue with the protest during the national anthem.
Philip C Di Filippo added: ‘Ironic that in a state whose history includes an armed rebellion against that flag that they are so upset when someone takes a knee!’
And even a veteran chimed in and added: ‘This is getting outta control… it’s a peaceful protest. Not against the flag. Against inequality and injustice… I’m a veteran and I support this.’