Valdosta State Cancels Classes Due to U.S. Flag Protest

In light of the recent tension escalating over a scheduled American flag protest, Valdosta State University has cancelled all classes and business operations for Friday, April 24. The “Flags Over VSU” rally was organized as a response to last week’s incident when Michelle Manhart disrupted a group of black VSU students who were holding a protest against racism. The ex-Air Force sergeant and Playboy pinup was detained, but not charged by police after she grabbed an American flag the students were standing on as part of their demonstration.

According to The Valdosta Daily Times, Eric Sheppard, who led the April 17 protest, is now being sought after by police after they claim he brought a gun onto school grounds. The student is suspected to be in hiding. Sheppard’s father spoke on-camera, urging his son to turn himself in:

“Son, you know we love you and have always taught you to do the right thing and to make wise decisions. Please make the right decision and turn yourself in to either the authorities or to me, and we will handle this together.”

According to the “Flags Over VSU” event page on Facebook, close to 4,000 flag supporters are scheduled to attend.