Valdosta State University Shut Down In Anticipation of Flag Rally

Georgia's Valdosta State University shut down Friday, canceling normal business operations, including classes, in anticipation of the Flags Over Valdosta rally that was expected to draw thousands of people to protest near the campus.

The rally was scheduled in response to a viral video last week that showed people walking on a U.S. flag as part of a protest against racism. The rally offered an opportunity for people to show their support of the American flag.

Protests went on at the university all week against the disrespectful treatment of the flag; after consulting with police, the university’s leadership announced on Thursday that it would close normal business operations in anticipation of the Friday rally.

On Twitter Friday, the university said the rally had been peaceful. Demonstrators weren’t allowed on campus, but instead filled the streets nearby.

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