Valdosta State University officials announced Thursday night that all classes and on-campus events scheduled for Friday have been canceled in the wake of security concerns that arose following protests related to the treatment of the American flag.
On its website, the school said: “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, April 24.”
The school also said that: “For students living in on-campus housing, 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 university plans to resume normal operations for all classes and events scheduled Saturday, April 25.
University police this week issued an arrest warrant for a campus protester after they found a backpack on school property with a handgun inside that they linked to him.
Police were trying to locate that man, Eric Sheppard, who they said they believed to be in hiding and is considered armed and dangerous. Initially, police said there was no evidence that he was on university property.
The backpack was found Tuesday afternoon by police who were performing extra security patrols in light of recent protests at the school.
Authorities were investigating what appeared to be threats made on social media related to the protests.
An Air Force veteran was banned from the south Georgia university after taking an American flag from demonstrators who were walking on it in protest last week.
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