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Story Created: Mar 10, 2010

Story Updated: Mar 11, 2010

Arrested UWM Students Say They're Being Misrepresented

By Shelley Walcott

MILWAUKEE - It was the video that stunned Milwaukee: 16 people detained and 15 arrested during an afternoon rally at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

But senior Rachel Mattesen says the video doesn't tell the whole story. "I was arrested for being part of a peaceful and legal demonstration here at UWM. I was arrested for standing up for my rights as a student," Mattesen said.
 
Wednesday evening nearly 100 people filled a lecture hall on campus, to hear the students' side of the story.

Freshman Anthony Sturino says the protest was meant to raise awareness about rising college tuition. "I just want people to know that we're good students. We feel strong about all these issues and we're not criminals," Sturino explained.
 
But school representatives say the rally did turn violent and that university police were forced to use pepper spray and detain people after the crowd tried to storm Chancellor Carlos Santiago's office.
 
"Right now we welcome students' opinions as long as it's done in a respectful and peaceful way," said Interim Dean of Students Tom McGinnity.
 
But Student Association President Jay Burseth insists the rally was peaceful. "I feel that it wasn't violent, it was a rally. Students tried to get into the door because they tried to talk to the chancellor," Burseth said.
 
A day on UWM's campus that might just have to left up to interpretation.

A vigil is planned on campus Thursday; it will be a silent protest over education rights.
 

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