[ad_1]
KENT, Ohio – Hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters clashed Saturday in a tense march at Kent State University. However, Kent State's "Armed Girl" says she'll be back to promote the story on campus.
The march was organized by Kaitlin Bennett, a Kent graduate, in the form of a demonstration favorable to the second modification and was greeted by counter-protesters.
Bennett is best known for a photo taken after graduation that shows her posing with a semi-automatic AR-10 rifle on campus.
Bennett said the march had been scheduled for the first time as a low-key open-campus gathering to inform students of their rights, but plans were thwarted by college bookings that requested 14 $ 000, in part, to repay the school. security during the event.
"I do not think they're complying with the law by trying to restrict our right to wear," Bennett said Saturday. "When we wanted to participate in the rally, they said we could not have firearms on public outdoor grounds, which I do not even consider it legal, and I do not know how a service of police can do it and I think it's ridiculous and disgusting. "
"Kent State University has adopted a policy adopted by our board of directors that prohibits students, faculty, staff and individuals doing business with the university community from bringing weapons to campus. Is allowed to bring some into the buildings of the university. " said Karen Clarke, vice president of strategic communications at Kent State University.
Bennett accused the university of provoking protracted clashes between protesters and counter-protesters, saying it was because of their reluctance to welcome her and her supporters on campus that the event had bursts.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers, many in riot gear, stood between Bennett and the angry counter protesters.
The Kent State Police sought and obtained mutual support from state soldiers from Toledo, Columbus, Warren and other positions from across the state. on the campus.
Kent State President Beverly Warren said in a statement last Saturday that the university had anticipated some challenges, adding that the school did not sponsor or endorse any of the groups represented on campus for the march.
She was not lamenting having the very big police on hand for the event.
"We are open to anyone who wants to come here to express their opinions, but we will always do what is necessary to protect our university community and those who visit us," Warren said.
Bennett's supporters came from as far as Columbus, insisting that the university should change its policy and allow students and employees to carry weapons on campus.
"For colleges not to let law-abiding citizens do it just because they're students, it does not really make sense to us," said Tyler Shaffer, former executive director of the University of Toronto. American army. from Columbus.
"God forbid, there are always gunshots, you know, in different colleges and schools, and, you know, bars and public places." Some of them may be shortened if someone One is armed, "said Brad Stephens of Ravenna.
Counter-protesters shouted anti-Trump chants and called protesters "fascist" gun rights. Some counter-protesters even came with bandanas on their faces.
"We do not cover our faces, we're polite, we shake hands, they cover their faces and that's what they do, they go to those cities to try to To intimidate people and they are not going to work, "said Bennett.
The march resulted in four arrests, all for disorderly conduct. One of those arrested was also charged with assaulting a police officer.
"Although there have been some challenges and passionate exchanges today, I am pleased to say that today 's events ended with a minimum of violence and injuries and no damage to academic property, "said Warren.
Bennett, meanwhile, promised later that she would be back.
"My message has been clear all this time, I do not know how to confuse it.It was clear: the rights of firearms, the right to carry weapons on university campuses, it is not so difficult" said Bennett.
Continuous coverage, here.
41.149063
-81.341465
Source link
