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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Students at Lincoln Preparatory Academy changed the course of a school assembly Thursday morning when they took a stand against the situation in Ferguson in front of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.

Gov. Nixon was in Kansas City to congratulate Lincoln Prep for its National Blue Ribbon Award, but in the middle of the Governor's speech, 12 students stood up, put their hands up in an action that signifies the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" slogan that was used by demonstrators in Ferguson.

When the students refused to sit down, a school administrator escorted them out of the auditorium.

According to the Kansas City Public School District, the students involved in the protest will be disciplined, but the district did not indicate what their punishment would be. The governor said he did not have an opinion on how or if the students should be punished.

He said it's the school's decision, but said he understands that young people connect with the issues in Ferguson and said it was good for them to know and get involved in the issues.

"I do think they did it respectfully, but it wasn't the time or place to do it, but I understand they have their right to their own opinion," said one student.

"I'm so happy that we have a strong student body that's willing to stand up and say what they need to say," said another student.