Rap concert controversy at North Carolina State University

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- There's a growing chorus of criticism over the decision to cancel a rap concert on N.C. State's campus.

Officials said safety concerns are why they shut down the Pan Afrikan concert featuring Migos, an Atlanta-based hip-hop group, and Pusha T.

A student-run organization spent $60,000 organizing the event. Now, its members feel that the concern over safety is an excuse, and they wonder if the decision was racially motivated.

"If you're just worried about the safety of your students here with just the two artists here, then why weren't you worried when Ludacris came or Wayans Brothers came," said Black Students Board Chair Dechia Adesegun. "It just seems that every time there's something new and unfamiliar to N.C. State, which clearly unfortunately has to be a minority issue because, of course, we are the minority because it is primarily a white institution. It raises questions."

The university says the issue is not race, but risk.

"Yesterday, campus police learned one of the headliners was involved in a shooting in Florida and our police and safety officials were concerned about that. With uncertainly to ensure safety, we decided to cancel the concert," said N.C. State Vice Provost of Student Leadership & Engagement Mike Giancola in a statement to ABC11.

Giancola went on to say the school wants to work with the organization to find an alternative event on campus.

Now, the student organization plans to hold a rally opposing the concert cancellation.

"It doesn't add up. We're not on the same page," said Adesegun. "They're not being very consistent, and, if they're going to do it with these two artists, they have to do it all across the board with all artists."

The rally will be held Friday at 6 p.m. on the concert stage where the rappers were to perform.