Education
Education

KSU mascot ‘Scrappy’ takes a knee to support cheerleaders

Cheerleaders from Kennesaw State University discuss their kneeling protests and the university administration's reaction.
By Meris Lutz
Oct 17, 2017

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.

A few hundred Kennesaw State University students and faculty marched Monday in support of five cheerleaders who knelt during the national anthem at a football game Sept. 30. They characterised their gesture as a stand against injustice and racism. Since then, the cheerleaders have not been allowed to take the field until after the anthem since Meris.Lutz@ajc.com
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“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.

ExploreRead more about the demonstration and the school’s response to a national controversy.

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About the Author

Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.

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