Around 100 students protested inside the Missouri State University Plaster Student Union Thursday near the food court.
The demonstration, which lasted nearly two hours, included signs displaying words like "No Peace," “My color should not be a death sentence” and various chants like "Hey hey, ho ho, these killer cops have got to go.”
"Hey hey, ho ho, these killer cops have got to go." https://t.co/AiZ9YdKc5Z
— Trevor J. Mitchell (@TJM613) December 4, 2014
Fists raised in air during sit-in at @missouristate Food court. pic.twitter.com/yWrlxxM7LD
— Claudette Riley (@CRileyNL) December 4, 2014
@BlackBear_MSU Proud to be a part of it. Proud to see people sitting down for what they believe. #BlackLivesMatter
— Briar Douglas (@StudentGov_MSU) December 4, 2014
Upon its conclusion, protestors mentioned an “Occupy the Square” event Friday at 5 p.m. in downtown Springfield.
The protest came on the heels of a grand jury decision in New York not to indict an officer in the death of Eric Garner. The black man had been placed in a chokehold as he was being arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes, an encounter that was caught on video. And just over a week ago, a grand jury chose not to indict a Ferguson police officer in the shooting death of Michael Brown.
The protest appeared peaceful, and was even lauded by MSU President Clif Smart.
Very well organized student protest @MSU_PSU happening. @missouristate supports free speech & expression. Well done. pic.twitter.com/92XpwZn8vZ
— Clif Smart (@ClifSmart) December 4, 2014
Earlier on Thursday, Missouri State University announced it would host a candlelight march intended to promote peace and nonviolence the next day. It will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday in front of the Meyer Library. The walk will continue to the front of Carrington Hall, where President Clif Smart will speak.
