Kennesaw State University students and faculty marched through campus Monday chanting “Land of the free, but we can’t take a knee?”
The demonstration in support of five cheerleaders who knelt during the national anthem at a Sept. 30 football game was unexpectedly joined by the school’s mascot, Scrappy the owl — otherwise known as junior Kenneth Sturkey.

“I figured it might help some people step outside their comfort zone knowing there’s an icon behind them who supports them in their right to protest,” Sturkey said.
He clarified that he had donned the mascot costume without permission, and was prepared for the consequences.
Recommended for you
Recommended for you
Recommended for you
Read more about the demonstration and the school’s response to a national controversy.
MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.
The AJC's Meris Lutz keeps you updated on the latest happenings in Cobb County government and politics. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:
- Allatoona water wars: Judge orders resolution to 36-year ordeal
- Cobb creates trust fund for Braves stadium obligation
- Cobb 2040 plan to address growth heads to vote amid some pushback
Never miss a minute of what's happening in Cobb politics. Subscribe to myAJC.com.
Please confirm the information below before signing in.