An off-campus incident in Ypsilanti earlier in the week prompted an on-field reaction from Eastern Michigan students Friday night.
Wednesday, someone spray painted the letters “KKK” in red, white and blue on a campus building. Another message that read “Leave N******" was left on a courtyard wall.
During last night’s game, a 27-24 win over Wyoming, EMU students chanted “We stand up! We fight back, when black lives are under attack!” as play went on, with the university’ president talking to the students at one point during the second half of the contest. After the game, the protest bled onto the field as fans gathered peacefully around midfield to further drive home their message.
This was the scene when the game ended at #EasternMichiganUniversity. #BLM student protestors march onto the field. pic.twitter.com/KsmF3Q30Tk
— John Schriffen (@JohnSchriffen) September 24, 2016
The protests weren’t limited to Ypsilanti as several members of the SMU marching band took a knee during the playing of the National Anthem prior to the game against TCU.
4 #SMU band members take a knee while playing national anthem tonight vs. TCU #ESPN #ponyuptempo pic.twitter.com/epW7ml2M9U
— Rattle & Hum Sports (@CowboyCamp) September 24, 2016