From Monday to Wednesday, students at Tarleton State University gathered outside the Barry B. Thompson Student Center holding signs with duct tape covering their mouths, exercising their right to peacefully protest, and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

But how did some of the students on campus feel about the protest? JTAC News spoke with students to get their thoughts on the protest

“To be honest, I feel like people got a negative vibe off of it. We’re not here to hurt anybody at all. We’re just here to protest what we believe in. We’re not saying Stephenville or Tarleton cops are bad, we’re saying in general there is some bad cops out there, just like there are some bad African Americans out there.”-Chanel Williams, Sophomore

“I would I think they’re extremely brave for doing it [protesting] , it’s definitely something I would consider. However, not everyone is ready to duct tape their mouths and hold a sign.” –Tiffany Layton, Junior

“I’m not too close to the protesting part anyway. I don’t want to sound like I don’t care. Obviously it matters, it’s just not close to me; it doesn’t affect me any at all. I was there, I saw it, the way they were doing it was a good way.” -Omar Saavedra

“They’re protesting in the wrong place first off. They’re protesting to people who sympathize with them the most; the millennials and college kids in general are more progressive than otherwise. So I think they should go to people who will help make a say; politicians.”- Zach Carter, Junior

To stand as a neutral party, the Tarleton Police Department stood with protesters to ensure a safe environment.

“I think the organizers did a very good job of planning a peaceful protest and support individuals and groups to be able to exercise their first amendment right of free speech.

The protest has been a peaceful event that has allowed student to exercise their beliefs in an appropriate matter.  Every person is entailed to freedom of speech as stated in the First Amendment.” –Alvin Allcon, Patrol Division Assistant Chief