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Fans Boo Band Off the Field After National Anthem Protest

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East Carolina University fans sent a clear message Saturday that they will not tolerate disrespect to the National Anthem--even if that means turning against their own school's marching band.

Nearly 20 band members knelt down during the National Anthem, but continued playing their instruments.

Furious fans then proceeded to boo the band off the field every time they performed. 

"I am ashamed of this school for letting the band do this," one irate reader posted on the university's Facebook page. "Shame ECU, shame!"

"What are you teaching these kids?" one parent asked. "I believe the students have the right to protest, but not on that field in uniform."

And another reader offered this suggestion: "What if those of us who write checks to the university stop sending them as our way of using our voice?"

One student who participated in the protests defended his actions, saying he simply wanted to make a statement for peace.

"There are other protests all around the country, including marching bands, and we thought that it'd be nice to show our solidarity with them and with the professional athletes who are risking their careers for this," band member Joshua Killian said.

Many have begun kneeling during the national anthem in protest of the number of police shootings of black men in communities across the country.

ECU Chancellor Cecil Staton also defended the marching band's actions.

"While we acknowledge and understand the disappointment felt by many Pirate fans in response to the events at the beginning of today's football game, we urge all Pirate students, supporters, and participants to act with respect for each other's views," the chancellor wrote in a statement.

However, after continued outrage from donors, parents and even students, the school's music department issued an apology and has promised to prevent any future protests.

"We regret the actions taken by 19 members of the East Carolina University Marching Pirates on game day October 1 felt hurtful to many in our Pirate family and disrespectful to our country," the directors of the band and the school of music and the dean of the College of Fine Arts wrote.

After meeting with the band, the directors say they, "have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to the unique privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform of the Marching Pirates."

"While we affirm the right of all our students to express their opinions, protest of this nature by the Marching Pirates will not be tolerated moving forward," they wrote.

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About The Author

Caitlin Burke Headshot
Caitlin
Burke

Caitlin Burke serves as National Security Correspondent and a general assignment reporter for CBN News. She has also hosted the CBN News original podcast, The Daily Rundown. Some of Caitlin’s recent stories have focused on the national security threat posed by China, America’s military strength, and vulnerabilities in the U.S. power grid. She joined CBN News in July 2010, and over the course of her career, she has had the opportunity to cover stories both domestically and abroad. Caitlin began her news career working as a production assistant in Richmond, Virginia, for the NBC affiliate WWBT