September 25, 2016
Protests continued during the national anthem at sporting events across the United States this weekend, including at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Temple University's Black Student Union sat down Saturday as "The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed before the school's homecoming game against Charlotte.
— Temple BSU (@bsu_temple) September 24, 2016
The demonstration echoed the ongoing national debate on police brutality that was sparked last month by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Initially, he sat during the anthem but has since altered his stance and chooses to kneel.
The student group issued a statement on Friday, mentioning the recent deaths of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte and Tawon Boyd in Baltimore as reasons for its decision.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please read pic.twitter.com/M95BOo4DMk
— Temple BSU (@bsu_temple) September 23, 2016
The protest was conducted during the school's third football game and will continue for the rest of the season, the group said. Temple had previously hosted games against Army and Stony Brook.
Other demonstrations that were conducted this weekend by another student group, college football players and a WNBA player.
Two weeks ago, nearly the entire Woodrow Wilson High School football team in South Jersey took a knee during the anthem.
"We kneel in solidarity with the families of those who have passed. Because this is the time, more than ever, for all of us to come together to mourn and to organize ourselves so that we may prosper as a people," Temple University's Black Student Union said.
