Duke University police barred members of the New Black Panthers from the school's campus this morning.
About 40 members of the group came to protest against white lacrosse players charged with raping a black escort service dancer at a team party.
Though university officials had said they would be permitted to protest on the private school's grounds, police refused to let them enter the West Campus on Duke University Drive. Officers said students were already overstressed by exams and the protest might further unsettle them.
The Panthers, dressed in fatigues, combat boots and flak jackets -- some sporting knives on their belts -- delivered a list of demands that included the conviction of Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty.
Then, outnumbered by the reporters covering them, they set off on a march toward 610 N. Buchanan Blvd., the lacrosse team house where the March 13 party occurred.
About 40 members of the group came to protest against white lacrosse players charged with raping a black escort service dancer at a team party.
Though university officials had said they would be permitted to protest on the private school's grounds, police refused to let them enter the West Campus on Duke University Drive. Officers said students were already overstressed by exams and the protest might further unsettle them.
The Panthers, dressed in fatigues, combat boots and flak jackets -- some sporting knives on their belts -- delivered a list of demands that included the conviction of Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty.
Then, outnumbered by the reporters covering them, they set off on a march toward 610 N. Buchanan Blvd., the lacrosse team house where the March 13 party occurred.
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