VALDOSTA — On Valdosta State University’s Facebook Page, Dr. William J. McKinney responded to the protest at VSU.

“Dear VSU students, faculty, and staff,
The American flag represents everything that is best about our country. As the Supreme Court has held, one of those things is the right to free speech, which includes the right to disrespect even the symbol of our country. While I firmly disagree with the actions of the protesters, I understand their right to protest,” Dr. McKinney said.

Original Article: Valdosta State University police detained a woman on campus after she took an American flag from a group of protestors.

Air Force veteran, Michelle Manhart took the flag from the protestors on campus after she watched them walk on it.

The VSU Police returned the flag to the protestors after Manhart was detained. The protestors and detaining officers did not press charges against her.

Manhart was given a criminal trespass warning which bans her from attending any university activities.

The group of protestors have not been identified at this time.