Protests target racism, debt at Southern Illinois University

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Several hundred Southern Illinois University protesters have rallied against student debt and racism following recent incidents including an anonymous video calling for violence against black students.

The Monday march in Carbondale was conceived as a one-day strike to call attention to economic issues. The protest broadened after the video's online release via YouTube drew condemnation from university leaders one week ago. YouTube later removed it for violating the company's policies on hate speech.

University and Carbondale police reported no arrests by Monday afternoon as participants chanted in a courtyard in the center of campus.

Several speakers invoked the slogans and demands used at the University of Missouri, where protests last year led to the resignation of the university system president and the flagship campus' chancellor.