Durham, NC – A student-led protest at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) demanding action on unlivable housing conditions ended in the arrest of four students and one faculty member on April 16, 2025. Now referred to as the “Durham 5,” those arrested have become a flashpoint in an ongoing debate over student rights, police presence on campuses, and university accountability.
The demonstration, organized by a student activist group called the Panthers, was sparked by reports of mold, flooding, pests, and a lack of hot water in several dorms. Students and community members gathered on Brant Street and marched across campus in what began as a peaceful rally. But tensions quickly escalated.
Who Are the “Durham 5”?
The five arrested individuals include:
- Moriah Flowers – charged with resisting a public officer
- José Estrella – charged with three misdemeanors, including trespassing and failure to disperse
- Makaila Tinsley – charged with two misdemeanors and one felony for allegedly assaulting an officer
- Daniel “Cole” Atwood – a history adjunct professor, charged with resisting a public officer
- An unnamed student waving a Pan-African flag, identified by Panthers as a member
Videos recorded by students show Atwood being restrained and student protesters being forcibly taken to the ground by law enforcement.
Mounting Student Frustration
The protest unfolded just hours after NCCU hosted a separate university-sponsored event titled “Eagle Voices: Real Talk Pulse Check”, designed to address housing concerns. Panthers called the event a public relations distraction, noting the free Chick-fil-A offered to students didn’t compensate for months without basic necessities like hot water.
Political science student Jordan Knapper testified during the protest that his honors dorm had lacked hot water since January. Protesters held signs reading “Students Unite & Fight,” demanding lower rent, better conditions, and real dialogue—not staged forums.
Clashes with Police
Despite warnings about sound amplification and permit requirements, the Panthers proceeded with the protest. Officers from multiple agencies, including Durham Police and UNC-Chapel Hill officers, were deployed. The situation escalated when officers attempted to confiscate a student’s megaphone…