Talladega College Marching Tornadoes Band was invited to march in President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural parade and they accepted the invitation. While many celebrities and institutions of color are distancing themselves from the President-elect the Marching Tornado Band is not. No one has spoken out as what inspired to the band to accept the invitation.

Alum of the college were hoping the band would follow suit and distance themselves from Trump and what he represents. Two petitions have been launched one petition urging the college not participate and another in support of the Marching Tornadoes.

Seinya SamForay was livid about the College’s decision and according to The Associated Press she let her frustration be known on the college’s social media page. “After how black people were treated at Trump’s rallies, you’re going to go and shuck and jive down Pennsylvania Avenue? For what?” said Seinya SamForay.  “What they did is a slap in the face to other black universities.”

Talladega student Dollan Young, the student who started a petition defended the band’s decision stated in his appeal “Its not to support of no political party its about the experience that the students will obtain.”

To say many are disappointed by their decision is an understatement. Of the 100 band members eight have chosen not to participate in the parade and Talladega respects their decision.