Northern Arizona University students who were passing out American flags Friday in remembrance of 9/11 got a bigger response than they expected.No fewer than four university officials and a police officer descended on the group, accusing them of hindering foot traffic and lacking an advance permit.
University spokesman Tom Bauer said it had nothing to do with what they were saying and everything to do with keeping traffic moving.
"I don't think that this is a freedom of speech issue. We were not asking them to be quiet. We were not asking them to leave," he said. "We were asking them to move to a different location within the same area. This is basically clearing the walkways."
The NAU students were among students at more than 270 colleges and high schools participating in the "9/11: Never Forget Project," which is endorsed by the conservative Young America's Foundation. The University of Arizona also held an event, according to the YAF's website.
Freer videotaped the confrontation, which at various times showed university officials asking the students to go outside, get a permit, or move to the other end of the building where few other students were congregating.
| Any AZ residents care to take this up with officials? |