Four people charged in a protest at North Carolina Central University faced a judge for the first time in Durham on Wednesday.
WRAL News had the only camera in the courtroom.
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It was a quick proceeding for the four protesters. Each one told the judge they had hired outside attorneys and declined court-appointed counsel.
Moriah Flowers is charged with the misdemeanor of resisting a public officer.
Jose Estrella faces three misdemeanors, failure to disperse on command, second degree trespass and resisting a public officer.
NC Central instructor Daniel Atwood is charged with resisting a public officer.
Makaila Tinsley faces two misdemeanors and one felony of assaulting a law enforcement officer.
In a statement, attorneys for the protestors said, "Our clients, all members of the NCCU community, were exercising their constitutionally protected right to voice legitimate concerns about unacceptable living conditions at North Carolina Central University. Their April 16 arrests were unwarranted, and we will vigorously challenge them in court."
On April 16, Central students gathered for an on-campus rally to bring attention to deteriorating conditions for student housing.
The next court date for these protestors is in June.