Students stage protest march through campus

About 50 students marched through campus on Sunday, May 17, to protest actions by the Town of Elon police officers in recent arrests of students.

About 50 students held a protest march through campus May 17.

Carrying signs and walking in a circular route through campus, students shouted out their call for rights in dealing with Town Police. Among the chants were “no excuse for the abuse” and “excessive force with no remorse.”

The protest was organized by Daniel Weller, one of 13 students arrested recently on a variety of drug and alcohol charges. Weller was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of possessing non-tax paid liquor. In interviews with student media, Weller said he had no complaint against the university but felt that Town Police officers had violated students’ rights during the arrests.

Some of the arrests occured at campus residence halls and others occured at off-campus apartments. Campus Police did not take part in the arrests. University officials have begun discussions with Town of Elon officials about the incidents to ensure that students’ rights and safety are being protected.