http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Lawmakers-Demands-Penn-State-President-Apologize-for-Hand-Gesture-Against-Law-Enforcement-285307631.html

Lawmaker Demands Penn State President Apologize for 'Die-In' Protest
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2014 • Updated at 12:50 PM EST

A Pennsylvania lawmaker is demanding that Penn State University's president apologize for making the "hands up" gesture associated with nationwide protests over the killing of an unarmed black Missouri teenager by a white police officer.

University President Eric Barron joined students at a "die-in" protest outside the school's Old Main administration building last week.

He was photographed joining students who put their hands up in protest of the August death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

Republican Rep. Jerry Knowles of Schuylkill County says Barron's gesture was disrespectful and a "slap in the face to law enforcement."

Barron says he supports law enforcement but adds there's "a portion of our population who feels more vulnerable by virtue of their appearance." He says he was showing solidarity with the student protesters.