DURHAM — Reverend Jesse Jackson took his message of racial equality to Duke University Thursday.

Jackson challenged law school students to continue to fight the battle for equal protection under the law. During his hour-long appearance, Jackson also criticized President Bush's proposal to federally fund some religious organizations.

"The church must not shred its independence for the temptation of a grant," he says.

During his speech, Jackson did not talk about his recent admission of having an extramarital affair. Many of the students said that the admission should not detract from Jackson's message.