About 75 people protested silently today inside and outside Downing Student Union at Western Kentucky University about recent court decisions that have raised concerns about racism in America.

The protest was on the main floor of the new student union, as the students, many dressed in black and holding signs, sat or laid down near the Big Red Statute in the center of the commons. Among the students was also a local pastor who is taking classes at the university.

Students said decisions in Ferguson, Mo., and New York spurred the nonviolent protest.

“We have a voice and we wanted to make a peaceful protest,” said Karlos Harbor, a senior education major from St. Louis.

One student held a sign promoting the hashtag #blacklivesmatter.

After grand juries in Ferguson and New York declined to indict police officers who killed black men, racial concerns were raised, Harbor said. 

“The two (decisions) have racial implications,” said the Rev. Barrett Wright of First Baptist Church of Scottsville.

— For more on this story, check the Daily News on Thursday or visit bgdailynews.com.