Valdosta State Cancels Classes After Uproar Over Demonstrators Walking On An American Flag

VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP) -- 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.

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/

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