Amidst protests at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity valiantly defended an American flag from being touched by ground while facing a barrage of water bottles from pro-Palestine demonstrators. The incident, captured on social media, depicted the fraternity members holding onto the flag despite being shouted at and targeted by protestors.
The fraternity’s courageous act garnered significant attention online, prompting a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $228,000. In response, the fraternity expressed gratitude to fellow fraternity members and supporters for their patriotic stance in defending the flag.
Following the removal of the American flag and its replacement with a Palestine flag, UNC Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts personally intervened by removing the Palestine flag and reinstating the American flag. Roberts’ action was met with applause from onlookers chanting “USA! USA! USA!”
However, shortly after the restoration of the American flag, it was decided to take it down, leading to the dispersal of protestors. The ensuing chaos resulted in the cancellation of classes and suspension of non-mandatory operations for the day.
Police intervention ensued as officers cleared out an encampment and detained several protestors, with 36 individuals detained and six later arrested on charges of trespassing.
In response to the incident, Chancellor Roberts emphasized the university’s support for peaceful demonstrations but noted the necessity of adhering to university policies. He expressed disappointment in the protestors’ disregard for these policies, leading to the breakdown of constructive dialogue.
In a similar incident at City College of New York, police restored the American flag after protestors raised a Palestine flag on campus. Mayor Eric Adams criticized the display of the foreign flag, emphasizing the importance of upholding American values and symbols.