Finding Aid: 2015 Flag Protest at Valdosta State University [Electronic records]

Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, 2022.

Identifier(s)

CollectionID: UA-22-53: 2015 Flag Protest. UA/22. Miscellaneous Units and Series. 2015 Flag Protest.

UUID: 58FAA9B2-0172-59B1-4512-77FD08F63CBE

BagName: ua-22-53_flag-protest_2015_bag

URI:

  1. Valdosta State University 2015 Flag Protests [Electronic records], UA-22-53. Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections. https://archivesspace.valdosta.edu/repositories/2/resources/522 Accessed August 09, 2022.

CREATOR(S)

The Spectator (Valdosta State University); McKinney, William J.; Fox, CNN, NBC, et. al.;

Date (Creation): 2015-04-17 - 2015-04-24 (approx.)

Source

UA-22-53: 2015 Flag Protest. UA/22. Miscellaneous Units and Series. 2015 Flag Protest., Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections.

Source of Acquisition/Donor Information

Series downloaded from web, August 2022. Internet Archive URL’s and YouTube. All files downloaded locally.

Subject Headings

Electronic records; Valdosta State University; Student protesters; Flags; Flags–Desecration; Flags–Political aspects; College presidents; Student government; Sheppard, Eric; Manhart, Michelle;

Scope and Contents

Valdosta State University, Flag Protest, April 2015. Electronic records collection. Downloaded from the web for preservation. Includes newspaper articles, official statements, videos, and photographs.

Arrangement

  1. UA-22-53-F1: Valdosta State Press Releases
  2. UA-22-53-F2: VSU Spectator Coverage
  3. UA-22-53-F3: Media Coverage
  4. UA-22-53-F4: Social Media

Extent

6.66 GB (7,152,585,699 bytes). 81 files, 50 folders. 11 video/mpg, 5.8 GB; 12 video/mp4, 775.3 MB; 11 image/jp2, image/jpg; 21 PDF files.

File Inventory (/objects/)

Valdosta State University Press [UA-22-53-1]

5 electronic records

  1. ua22-53-f1-001 ua22-53-f1-001_mckinney_flag-protest_20150418 1 webpage

McKinney, William J. “Statement Regarding April 17 Protest,” Valdosta State University, April 18, 2015. Source: https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2015/04/statement-regarding-april-17-protest-on-campus.php

McKinney, William J. “Statement Regarding April 17 Protest,” Valdosta State University, April 18, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f1-002 2015-04-20 ua22-53-f1-002_sga-resolution_20150420.pdf 1 page document. 662568 bytes

Student Government Association (Valdosta State University). “Resolution #15-08: SGA Resolution Responding to Flag Protest on Campus, April 17, 2015,” April 20, 2015. Source:

Student Government Association (Valdosta State University). “Resolution #15-08: SGA Resolution Responding to Flag Protest on Campus, April 17, 2015,” April 20, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f1-003 2015-04-21 1 webpage ua22-53-f1-003_mckinney_20150421.pdf

McKinney, William J. “Letter to the Campus Community,” Valdosta State University, April 21, 2015. Source: https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2015/04/letter-to-the-campus-community.php

McKinney, William J. “Letter to the Campus Community,” Valdosta State University, April 21, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f1-004 2015-04-21

McKinney, William J., “President William J. McKinney Calls for Day of Reaffirmation,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 21, 2015. Retrieved Friday, August 5, 2022 from https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2015/04/president-william-j.-mckinney-calls-for-day-of-reaffirmation.php.

McKinney, William J., “President William J. McKinney Calls for Day of Reaffirmation,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 21, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f1-005 2015-04-24 ua22-53-f1-005_vsu-newsroom_20150423.pdf

McKinney, William J., “VSU Suspends Normal Business Operations for Friday, April 24,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 23, 2015. Retrieved Friday, August 5, 2022 from https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2015/04/vsu-suspends-normal-business-operations-for-friday,-april-24.php.

McKinney, William J., “VSU Suspends Normal Business Operations for Friday, April 24,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 23, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f1-006 ua22-53-f1-006_vsu-newsroom_20150422 1 webpage article, 1 photograph

Valdosta State University. “Father of Eric Sheppard Issues Plea For Son To Turn Himself In To Authorities,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 22, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2022 from https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2015/04/father-of-eric-sheppard-issues-plea-for-son-to-turn-himself-in-to-authorities.php

Photo Caption: Pictured are Eric Sheppard Sr., father of Eric Sheppard, and Dr. Wiliam J. McKinney, president of Valdosta State University.

Valdosta State University. “Father of Eric Sheppard Issues Plea For Son To Turn Himself In To Authorities,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 22, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f1-007 ua22-53-f1-007_vsu-newsroom_20150421 1 webpage article, 1 photograph

Valdosta State University. “Campus Alert - Suspect Wanted,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 22, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2022 from https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2015/04/information.php.

Valdosta State University. “Campus Alert - Suspect Wanted,” Valdosta State University Newsroom, April 22, 2015

VSU Spectator Coverage [UA-22-53-2]

  1. ua22-53-f2-001 spectator_20150419_flag-protest

Webpage article and photograph

Harris, Zenobia. “Veteran detained after trying to stop campus protesters from walking on American flag,” The Spectator, April 19, 2015. Source: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2015/04/19/protest-sparks-controversy-across-campus/

(Photo Credit: Stella Henderson/ THE SPECTATOR) An American flag lies on the ground after being walked on in a protest that took place on campus April 17. Veteran Michelle Manhart was detained by VSU police after she tried to take the flag from protesters. File: spectator_20150419_flag-protest_img001.jpg

Harris, Zenobia. “Veteran detained after trying to stop campus protesters from walking on American flag,” The Spectator, April 19, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f2-002 2015-04-20 spectator_20150420_flag-protest 1 webpage article, and video.

Barela, Jordan. “Two protests unite under common flag: Students, veterans and Valdosta citizens come to campus to support their cause,” The Spectator, April 20, 2015. Written by: Jordan Barela, Digital Editor & John Stephen, Print Editor. Source: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2015/04/20/two-protests-unite-under-common-flag-students-veterans-and-valdosta-citizens-come-to-campus-to-support-their-cause/

Barela, Jordan. “Two protests unite under common flag: Students, veterans and Valdosta citizens come to campus to support their cause,” The Spectator, April 20, 2015.

The Spectator. (April 20, 2015). [ValdostaSpectator]. Coverage of the April 20th Protest at VSU [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved 4 August 2022, from https://youtu.be/fq9zi_AQtLc

The Spectator. (April 20, 2015). [ValdostaSpectator]. Coverage of the April 20th Protest at VSU [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved 4 August 2022, from https://youtu.be/fq9zi_AQtLc

Video Caption: Students, staff, veterans, and others come together to support the American Flag and equality.

  1. ua22-53-f2-003 2015-04-23 spectator_20150423_flag-protest 1 webpage article, 1 photograph (dupe)

Edwards, Cole. “Follow-up rally expected on Friday,” The Spectator, April 23, 2015. Source: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2015/04/23/michelle-manhart-protest-friday/

Edwards, Cole. “Follow-up rally expected on Friday,” The Spectator, April 23, 2015.

Caption: John Preer/SPECTATOR Sheppard shares his views with students at a protest on April 20, a few days after he was seen stepping on an American flag.

  1. ua22-53-f2-004 2015-04-24 spectator_20150424_flag-protest Webpage article, photograph and video.

Stephen, John. “American flag supporters rally around campus, remain peaceful,” The Spectator, April 24, 2015. Source: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2015/04/24/american-flag-supporters-rally-around-campus-remain-peaceful/

Stephen, John. “American flag supporters rally around campus, remain peaceful,” The Spectator, April 24, 2015.

Cite: ValdostaSpectator. VSU Press Conference on April 24, 2015. YouTube. Retrieved 4 August 2022, from https://youtu.be/Sym-deXs3wk

ValdostaSpectator. VSU Press Conference on April 24, 2015. YouTube. Video caption: Valdosta State University’s President and a few law enforcement officials talk about the flag rally that took place around the campus on April 24.

VSU Press Conference on April 24, 2015

Valdosta State University’s President and a few law enforcement officials talk about the flag rally that took place around the campus on April 24. File: spectator_20150424_flag-protest_img001.jpg

Subjects: William J. McKinney; Brian Childress (Valdosta Police Chief)

  1. ua22-53-f2-005 2015-04-23 spectator_20150423_flag-protest Webpage article and photograph.

Kesselring, Kenzie. “Protestor being sought by police; parents issue plea,” The Spectator, April 23,2015. Source: http://vsuspectator.com/2015/04/23/eric-sheppard-vsu-parents-protest-flag/

Kesselring, Kenzie. “Protestor being sought by police; parents issue plea,” The Spectator, April 23,2015.

Caption: John Preer/SPECTATOR Sheppard shares his views with students at a protest on April 20, a few days after he was seen stepping on an American flag.

  1. ua22-53-f2-006 2015-04-30 1 webpage article and photograph

Edwards, Cole. (April 30, 2015). Still Wanted: Support group for wanted protestor plans to raise thousands of dollars. The Spectator, April 30, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2022 from http://www.vsuspectator.com/2015/04/30/still-wanted-support-group-for-wanted-protestor-plans-to-raise-thousands-of-dollars/

Eric Sheppard at Protest.

Edwards, Cole. (April 30, 2015). Still Wanted: Support group for wanted protestor plans to raise thousands of dollars. The Spectator, April 30, 2015

7.ua22-53-f2-007 2015-05-28 1 webpage article and photograph

Kesselring, Kenzie. “Breaking: Eric Sheppard arrested,” The Spectator, May 28, 2015. Source: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2015/05/28/breaking-eric-sheppard-arrested/

Caption: John Preer/THE SPECTATOR Eric Sheppard at the April 20 rally.

Kesselring, Kenzie. “BREAKING: Eric Sheppard arrested,” The Spectator, May 28, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f2-008 2017-01-09 1 webpage article spectator_20170109_flag-protest

Leung, Michaela. “Eric Sheppard violates probation, in custody,” The Spectator, January 9, 2017. Source: http://vsuspectator.com/2017/01/09/33661/

Leung, Michaela. “Eric Sheppard violates probation, in custody,” The Spectator, January 9, 2017

News Coverage [UA-22-53-3]

10 electronic records

  1. ua22-53-f3-001 2015-04-20 1 video. 00:01:26. 720p

Mathews, Noelani. WCTV. Valdosta State American Flag Rally [Video], April 20, 2015. Noelani Mathews. YouTube. June 1, 2015. https://youtu.be/rv1gd2WETUY

Video Caption: 4-20-15: Hundreds of VSU students, alumni, and residents gather on the University’s campus for peace and change

Mathews, Noelani. WCTV. Valdosta State American Flag Rally, April 20, 2015. Noelani Mathews. YouTube. June 1, 2015.. Video Caption: 4-20-15: Hundreds of VSU students, alumni, and residents gather on the University’s campus for peace and change

  1. ua22-53-f3-002 2015-04-20 1 video: 360p, 00:04:21. cnn_20150420_flag-protest.mp4

CNN.[HLN]. (April 20, 2015). Former Playboy model scuffles with police [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/Ph6RHGa2_3Y

Former Playboy model scuffles with police

Video Caption: A former Playboy model who left the U.S. Air Force after posing for the adult magazine in 2007 was detained at Valdosta State University in Georgia this weekend. Michelle Manhart took an American flag away from some students who were trampling on it as part of a protest. Take a look at her arrest as her daughter captured it on cell phone video. Do you think she had a right to take the flag away?

CNN.[HLN]. (April 20, 2015). Former Playboy model scuffles with police [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/Ph6RHGa2_3Y Video Caption: A former Playboy model who left the U.S. Air Force after posing for the adult magazine in 2007 was detained at Valdosta State University in Georgia this weekend. Michelle Manhart took an American flag away from some students who were trampling on it as part of a protest. Take a look at her arrest as her daughter captured it on cell phone video. Do you think she had a right to take the flag away?

Cable News Network

  1. ua22-53-f3-003 1 video: 00:01:59 wctv_20150420_flag-protest.mp4

WCTV Eyewitness News. [Winnie Wright]. (May 27, 2015). American Flag Appreciation Rally [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/lUdCEHNcYVM

American Flag Appreciation Rally

Video Caption: American Flag Appreciation Rally at Valdosta State University

WCTV Eyewitness News. [Winnie Wright]. (May 27, 2015). American Flag Appreciation Rally [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/lUdCEHNcYVM. Video Caption: American Flag Appreciation Rally at Valdosta State University

  1. ua22-53-f3-004 2015-04-22 1 webpage article vdt_20150422_flag-protest

Adgie, Joe. “Valdosta State SGA passes pro-flag, pro-military resolutions: President McKinney calls for Day of Reaffirmation,” Valdosta Daily Times, April 22, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/valdosta-state-sga-passes-pro-flag-pro-military-resolutions-president/article_c33a043c-e884-11e4-a9e3-d3a534a6486a.html

Adgie, Joe. “Valdosta State SGA passes pro-flag, pro-military resolutions: President McKinney calls for Day of Reaffirmation,” Valdosta Daily Times, April 22, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f3-005 2015-04-24 1 webpage article vdt_20150424_flag-protest

Adgie, Joe. “VSU: Rally means no classes today,” Valdosta Daily Times, April 24, 2015. Source: https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/vsu-rally-means-no-classes-today/article_0439730e-ea2a-11e4-8031-83a21dad3ee0.html

Adgie, Joe. “VSU: Rally means no classes today,” Valdosta Daily Times, April 24, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f3-006 2015-04-24 1 webpage, 1 video: 1280x720, 00:00:29, 6.27 MB, and photo cbs-news_20150424_flag-protest

CBS News. Georgia university cancels classes amid uproar over American flag protest. (2015). Retrieved 4 August 2022, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/valdosta-state-university-cancels-classes-amid-uproar-over-american-flag-protest/

CBS News. Georgia university cancels classes amid uproar over American flag protest. (2015).

Caption: U.S. Air Force veteran Michelle Manhart was detained by Valdosta State University police Friday after taking an American flag from protesters walking on it. FACEBOOK: MICHELLE MANHART

CBS News. [CBS News]. (April 24, 2015). Georgia university cancels classes after flag stomping causes protest [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/LY0pwsDIC9o

Video Caption: After an American flag was stomped on during a recent protest, Valdosta State in Georgia has canceled classes. CBSN’s David Begnaud and Anne-Marie Green discuss the campus unrest.

CBS News. [CBS News]. (April 24, 2015). Georgia university cancels classes after flag stomping causes protest [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/LY0pwsDIC9o Video Caption: After an American flag was stomped on during a recent protest, Valdosta State in Georgia has canceled classes. CBSN’s David Begnaud and Anne-Marie Green discuss the campus unrest.

  1. ua22-53-f3-007 2015-04-24 1 webpage article, 1 photo, 1 video nbc_flag-protest_20150424

American Flag Protest Shuts Down Valdosta State University: A Georgia university shut down on Friday for a demonstration after a video of protesters trampling an American flag went viral. NBC News, April 24, 2015. Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/georgia-university-shuts-down-ahead-flag-protest-n347586

American Flag Protest Shuts Down Valdosta State University: A Georgia university shut down on Friday for a demonstration after a video of protesters trampling an American flag went viral. NBC News, April 24, 2015.

Photo Caption: Demonstrators wave American flags at Valdosta State University. NBC News.

NBC News On Scene. (April 24, 2015) Flag Supporters Rally in Georgia [Video]. NBCnews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/georgia-university-shuts-down-ahead-flag-protest-n347586

  1. ua22-53-f3-008 2015-04-24 1 webpage article, 1 photograph

Air Force Times. “Georgia university cancels classes in flap over flag protest,” The Associated Press, April 24, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2015/04/24/georgia-university-cancels-classes-in-flap-over-flag-protest/

Caption: Michelle Manhart.

Air Force Times. “Georgia university cancels classes in flap over flag protest,” The Associated Press, April 24, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f3-009 2015-04-24 1 webpage article, 1 video: 00:02:41. 57.90 MB wsb-tv_20150424_flag-protest

WSB-TV Channel Two Atlanta. “Hundreds attend rally at Valdosta State University,” April 25, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/hundreds-attend-rally-valdosta-state-university/53972163/

Subjects: Matt Belanger; Richard Stone; Donnie Wilson; Michelle Manhart; Brian Childress;

WSB-TV Channel Two Atlanta. “Hundreds attend rally at Valdosta State University,” April 25, 2015.

  1. ua22-53-f3-010 2015-04-20 2 videos fox_police-statement_20150424, fox_flag-rally_20150424

  2. Fox 5 Atlanta. (April 24, 2015). Police on Valdosta State American Flag rally [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/cUFAYlUBeWE

1280x720, 00:14:08.

Fox 5 Atlanta. (April 24, 2015). Police on Valdosta State American Flag rally [Video]. YouTube.. Video Caption: Law enforcement talks about the American Flag rally at Valdosta State University.

Police on Valdosta State American Flag rally

Video Caption: Law enforcement talks about the American Flag rally at Valdosta State University.

  1. Fox 5 Atlanta. (April 24, 2015). Valdosta State American Flag rally [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/jKJglHuY1G4

1280x720. 00:14:53.

Valdosta State American Flag rally

Video Caption: Live video from the Valdosta State University campus where a rally is being held for the American Flag.

Fox 5 Atlanta. (April 24, 2015). Valdosta State American Flag rally [Video]. YouTube.. Video Caption: Live video from the Valdosta State University campus where a rally is being held for the American Flag.

Social Media [UA-22-53-4]

  1. ua22-53-f4-001 2015-04-18 1 video. 00:06:23 ua-22-53-f4-001_flag-protest_viral-vid_20150418

“Disrespect of the American Flag,” Dustin Crossmanhart. YouTube. April 18, 2015. Source: https://youtu.be/-otEtnySeL4

Note: Original viral video (2.23 million views). Creator: Aunica Crosshart? [Inferred from WSB-TV Channel Two Atlanta clip]

This first picture is what was going on at Valdosta “State” University for 3 days…The campus refused to do anything about it … So we decided to get the flag and give it the respect it deserved…We just wanted to remove it and dispose of it properly…The American flag represents our Freedom why would you want to walk on that??? Please repost as much as possible make this go viral people need to see the truth…I wonder if “Donors” of VSU are ok with this blatant disrespect of the flag.

“Disrespect of the American Flag,” Dustin Crossmanhart. YouTube. April 18, 2015.. Original viral video (2.23 million views, August 2022).

  1. ua22-53-f4-002 2015-04-24

Huff, Lori. (April 24, 2015). [Lori Huff]. God Bless the USA-Flags Over VSU [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/ljT9DIKbV7E

God Bless the USA-Flags Over VSU

Video Caption: Protest at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. Proudly flying the American Flag Supporting American Veterans and showing our Respect for the American Flag.

Huff, Lori. (April 24, 2015). [Lori Huff]. God Bless the USA-Flags Over VSU [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2022 from https://youtu.be/ljT9DIKbV7E. Video Caption: Protest at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. Proudly flying the American Flag Supporting American Veterans and showing our Respect for the American Flag.

Publisher

Varies per article… See citations.

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT - EDUCATIONAL USE PERMITTED

Coverage (Temporal)

April 2015

Timeline of Events

Coverage (Spatial)

Valdosta, Georgia. United States.

Format

application/pdf; image/jpg; image/jp2; video/mp4; video/mpg

Contributor

Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections. 1500 N. Patterson Ave., Valdosta, Georgia. United States. 31698. archives@valdosta.edu

Type

text, image, moving image

Language

eng

Processing Notes

Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections. Processed by Dallas A. Suttles, Tuesday, August 9, 2022 dasuttles@valdosta.edu