Protest held in support of Shay, Bucs

In response to Jason Shay’s recent resignation as ETSU men’s basketball head coach and allegations of internal pressure, ETSU faculty, students and staff gathered alongside community members Tuesday to express their concern and support.

The protest, titled “Back Down Corruption & Back the Bucs!”, began at roughly 4:30 p.m. when two crowds formed along North State of Franklin Road alongside campus. The event was jointly planned by regional activist groups Tri-Cities TN/VA Mutual Aid, The New Generation Freedom Fighters and New Panthers Initiative. 

Several attendees spoke to the crowd to share their own perspectives and experiences. Washington County NAACP President Tavia Sillmon spoke before and after the march to encourage students to stay involved.

“For several years, students have always been the main activists, sometimes, on their campuses, but nothing like this, nothing to the degree of this,” Sillmon told the East Tennessean. “ So we know that it’s happening nationally and that they have seen national pro players do this. But it’s still a first amendment right, no matter who you are, to protest how you feel.”

The protest occurred against the backdrop of speculation that Shay’s resignation was connected to his support and defense of the ETSU men’s basketball team’s decision to kneel during the national anthem. ETSU Athletic Director Scott Carter released a statement April 1 in response to the speculation, saying ETSU “did not fire Coach Shay nor force Coach Shay to resign.” Shay was replaced by former University of Tennessee assistant coach Desmond Oliver Tuesday afternoon.

Before the protest began, leaders shared ground rules and codes of conduct for the event. All attendees were encouraged to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to engage in social distancing where possible. To combat the heat, protestors shared water and food before leading a march along the road.

The protest continued to the North State of Franklin pedestrian bridge, where the crowd stopped and faced the road to display signs and chant to passing drivers. Several cars honked or shouted support, which were met with cheers by the crowd. Counter protest was minimal with occasional gestures from passing drivers. 

To address the speculation surrounding the resignation, ETSU President Brian Noland released a statement to the ETSU community.

“In order for growth to occur, we must acknowledge that many in society have experienced injustice,” Noland said. “It is clear that there is deep hurt in the African American community, and I have heard from many that they feel, at a minimum, ignored, mistreated and disrespected. I have also heard that many veterans, service members and their families feel disrespected and that their sacrifices are unappreciated.  It is incumbent upon all of us as members of the campus community to recognize and respect these feelings.”

Some speakers responded positively to Noland’s statement, while others were unsure.

“When we come back in the fall, we need answers, and we need, as a student body, to be not left in the dark,” said Nicholas Jordan, candidate for president of the ETSU Student Government Association. “Having a transparent administration is key to feeling like our voices are heard here, and it is key to feeling like we are respected as a student body, and we’re a part of ETSU.”