State College, PSU set to rally for justice for George Floyd. Barron supportive of the move
With both the State College and Penn State communities set to rally Sunday in support of justice for George Floyd, an African American man who died begging for air under the restraint of Minneapolis police, Penn State’s president issued a statement of support Saturday.
“We support our community as you express your sadness and anger through peaceful protest, and we know it is even more challenging to support and lift each other up during this global pandemic, with the added difficulty of social distancing,” President Eric Barron wrote. “However, please know that our entire university community grieves with you, supports you and joins with you as we strive for positive change.”
He added, “In the face of hatred and bias, we must speak out. We must not accept apathy, indifference or silence, otherwise we allow hatred, prejudice and intolerance to grow.”
One organizer expected about 100 people to converge at noon Sunday at the Allen Street Gates near campus. Protesters will remain at the gates for about 90 minutes, before walking along downtown and ending at the police station.
State College student Lilyana Hasan, a rising senior, sparked the original call for a rally and posted fliers on social media. But the cause was also quickly taken up by Penn State students, some of whom also created their own fliers.
“I’m really excited to see people get together and fight for change,” said Hasan, 16, who was adamant the protest remain peaceful and protesters continue to practice social-distancing.
Floyd, 46, died Monday when a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. Three other officers looked on, after Floyd was handcuffed after being accused of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a deli.
All four officers were fired. So far, one officer — Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd’s neck — has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
“Our message today is, foremost, one of profound compassion for all who live in fear that the color of their skin, gender identity, ethnicity or religion makes them a target of hate,” Barron said. “Our hearts ache as we can only imagine the trauma, pain and frustration that many are feeling at this time.”
Hasan said she informed both the Penn State and State College police about the rally. She’s not certain if they’ll have a presence there. But, she said, they’re “in support” of it.
“I was just seeing what happened to George Floyd all over the media and even more (once) Minnesota started protesting,” she said. “I was so sick of seeing all these people die.”
This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 1:43 PM.
