GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says it was “extremely inappropriate” for East Carolina University band members to kneel during the national anthem in a protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
The governor told Greenville media outlets his opinion about actions by the 19 members last weekend while the band played before the ECU football game. McCrory said Thursday band members have every “right to express their 1st Amendment rights outside the stadium” and there are societal rules and guidelines when people wear a band uniform.
The protest turned up emotions on ECU’s campus during and after the game. Chancellor Cecil Staton initially put out a release supporting the students, but band officials said later additional protests would not be tolerated. The school’s next home football game is next Thursday.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.