About 2,500 people rallied at the University of Mississippi Wednesday to demand that the state higher education board reverse its decision not to renew the contract of Chancellor Dan Jones, The Clarion-Ledger reported. The decision not to keep Jones, despite faculty, student and donor backing, has angered many. The diversity and size of the rally was notable, the newspaper said.

"Around 2,500 people -- estimated by some to be the largest nonathletics gathering on campus in decades -- gathered in front of the university's Lyceum. They were old and young, representing both town and gown. There were professors and staff members. Frat bros and hipsters. Black and white. All gathered in one place to support their chancellor, Dr. Dan Jones," the article said.