Valdosta State University cancels Friday classes, operations

VALDOSTA — Officials with Valdosta State University, which has been dealing with the aftermath of an April 17 American flag-trampling protest that has inflamed emotions, say the university will shut down operations for the day Friday.

A pro-flag rally is scheduled to take place Friday just off campus and police were still searching Thursday for a demonstrator who has denounced whites, Christians and Muslims and who police say is connected to a gun found on campus Tuesday.

“After further discussions with local law enforcement and in the interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff, Valdosta State University will suspend normal business operations for Friday …,” VSU officials said on their website Thursday afternoon. “All classes and on-campus events scheduled for Friday … have been canceled.”

University officials said only “essential employees” who have been notified by their supervisors to come to work are to report to campus Friday.

“For students living in on-campus housing,” VSU officials said, “we will have an increased law enforcement presence on campus to ensure their continued safety throughout the protests scheduled to occur around Main Campus.”

The Palms Dining Hall will be open, officials said, adding the university expects to resume normal operations Saturday for all classes and events.

The pro-flag rally scheduled for Friday is the second one. A pro-flag rally Monday attracted counter-demonstrators, including Eric Sheppard Jr., who denounced whites as privileged and also blasted Christians and Muslims. On Tuesday afternoon, a backpack containing a handgun was found by campus police in front of the Odum Library. University officials say police linked the gun to Sheppard, and an arrest warrant has been issued.

Authorities had been unable to locate Sheppard as of Thursday. His father, Eric Sheppard Sr., appealed Wednesday for his son to turn himself in.

The events were sparked by a protest on campus on April 17 in which demonstrators trampled the American flag. Michelle Manhart, an Air Force veteran and former Playboy model, garnered national attention when she tried to rescue the flag from the protesters, resulting in campus police detaining her. She is expected to be at the Friday rally set for across the street from the VSU campus.