The national anthem is making news yet again. This time, the controversy is surrounding college football.

As the national anthem sounded throughout Texas Christian University’s Amon G Carter Stadium to kick off Saturday’s game against Iowa State, a group of approximately 20 TCU students refused to stand and honor our country. Their reasoning? A protest to “stand up against racial injustices in America”.

An event invitation sent out prior to the game instructed those interested in participating to arrive two and a half hours before the game in order to secure a section of seating specifically designated for TCU students. The invitation also instructed protest attendees to wear a “solid black shirt,” despite TCU’s “purple-out” themed homecoming game.

“We can’t support a nation and a flag and an anthem that doesn’t support us” Shanel Alexander, TCU student and organizer of the protest, told the TCU student newspaper. Alexander also explained that she organized the protest “to be in solidarity with the NFL players who have decided to take a stand about the social injustices happening in this country.”

The protesters, seated in the very first row of the stadium bleachers, held signs stating “Unapologetic and Black #IAintSorry,” “Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. #BLM,” and “Oppression is wrong.”

Andrew Wilbraham, a junior at TCU, told The Daily Caller that he was particularly disappointed with the protest.

“Our flag stands tall today because of the sacrifices that thousands of Americans have made. These soldiers were of all different races and ethnicities but they chose to be color blind. Our flag represents more than just a piece of cloth. It is a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice,” says Wilbraham. “These students who believe that the flag does not support them clearly do not appreciate the sacrifices of the fallen and their families. The national anthem is a moment of unity, not a time to protest, and refusing to stand is only furthering division.”

In response to the silent demonstration, Holly Ellman, the associate director of strategic communications for the marketing department, told the TCU student newspaper, “Texas Christian University recognizes the right of all members of the University community to express their views or to protest against actions and opinions with which they disagree.”

This isn’t the first time TCU has been in the news for a student’s First Amendment right to expression.

Harry Vincent, a TCU junior suspended for tweeting his political opinions in 2015, was re-admitted to the university after his story prompted a media firestorm shaming TCU for what many believed to be an unjust punishment. Vincent spoke to The Daily Caller in light of Saturday’s protest.

“As an avid supporter of each American’s First Amendment right to the freedom of expression, I acknowledge these student’s right to remain seated during the anthem. I also respect and commend TCU for making strides when it comes to allowing students to express themselves free of punishment,” stated Vincent. “That being said, I and many of my peers at TCU believe that refusing to stand during an anthem devoted to those that have given their lives to protect our freedom is not only disrespectful, but disheartening and counterproductive.”