Fairfield U Students Protest Removal Of Black Lives Matter Flag

FAIRFIELD, CT — Over 100 students protested recently at Fairfield University in response to the removal of a Black Lives Matter flag at the school’s counseling center, which was taken down at the administration’s directive, according to the Connecticut Post.

The flag was removed due to the college’s neutrality policy and because it had not been approved by administration, the Post reported. Aliyah Seenauth, associate director of diversity and inclusion for the student association, told the Post that taking down the flag was a “total slap in the face,” noting the decision was made during Black History Month. Jennifer Anderson, the university’s vice president of marketing and communications, told the Post that the school supports free expression among its students.

The protest occurred Feb. 28, when students kneeled silently as President Mark Nemec spoke at a diversity and inclusion event, according to the Post. Students were troubled when during his speech, Nemec said the school welcomed “anti-racist, and anti-anti-racist perspectives,” the Post reported, adding Nemec later emailed the school community, saying he was “deeply sorry people are upset” and that he regretted that his remarks caused pain.

Read more from the Connecticut Post.