VALDOSTA — About 4,000 people and a heavy police presence are expected at Valdosta State University Friday for the Flags Over VSU protest, said Andy Clark, VSU vice president of enrollment, marketing and communications.

“We’ve got people from the city on campus, we’ve got state patrol on standby, and we’ve also got our officers here double-shifting,” Clark said. “We’ll have more units from outside the area here Friday when the Flags Over Valdosta demonstration is going on.”

Clark said protesters Friday will not be allowed on university grounds and will be restricted to the sidewalks.

The permit for the protest was filed with the Valdosta Police Department and runs from 1:30-3 p.m. Friday.

The protest must be disbanded by 3 p.m., no motorcycles are allowed around campus, and the protesters are restricted to sidewalks on Patterson Street, Georgia Avenue, and Brookwood Avenue, according to the organizers of the protest.

Flags Over VSU is a response to a demonstration last week when people walked on the American flag. Michelle Manhart, a former Air Force trainer/Playboy model grabbed the flag from protesters. VSU police officers detained her, returned the flag to the demonstrators and released Manhart. The incident received national attention.

 

FLAG DAY IN VALDOSTA

Mayor John Gayle has requested all Valdosta residents and businesses fly the American flag today.

Gayle designated today as Flag Day in Valdosta.

“I am asking all citizens to proudly display the American flag at their homes and businesses to show their support,” Gayle said. “Together, let us rally behind our flag and declare that every day is Flag Day in Valdosta to show our unwavering support for our flag, our country and our freedom.”

Gayle said Wednesday there is no specific event or ceremony planned for today.