Shaw student arrested for studying past library hours

Na'eem Wilkins is not someone whose Shaw University classmates would expect to see in handcuffs. But such was the predicament Wilkins, 21, a honor student and drum major for the school band, found himself in after refusing to leave the university library after it closed at 11 p.m.

Posted 2:32 a.m. Apr 29, 2014 — Updated 2:32 a.m. Apr 29, 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. — Na’eem Wilkins is not someone whose Shaw University classmates would expect to see in handcuffs.

But such was the predicament Wilkins, 21, a honor student and drum major for the school band, found himself in after refusing to leave the university library after it closed at 11 p.m.

“He was like, ‘Can I have an extra ten minutes just to finish this exam,’” said Tina Akunwafor, a Shaw student who was in the library when Wilkins was arrested. “He was calm. It wasn't like he created a ruckus or he was arguing back and forth. She just said ‘I'm going to call security’ and after that the police came and arrested him.”

Wilkins, who was charged with second degree trespassing, was allowed to stay in the library 30 minutes after closing but did not leave afterwards, said Odessa Hines, university spokesman.

“It's unfortunate that he allowed the situation to escalate to that point,” she said. “I think obviously we never want to have to arrest a student, ever, on our campus.”

Students, who held a demonstration in support of Wilkins, want the charges dropped against him and longer library hours.

Starting Tuesday, the library will have extended hours for final exams.

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