FARMINGTON - A college president says an art project that featured U.S. flags on the floor where they were stepped on represents a "teachable moment" once things have calmed down.

Theo Kalikow of the University of Maine at Farmington says students will discuss the issue after they return from spring break. Afterward, she wants to bring the larger community into the conversation.

Art student Susan Crane came up with the idea of spreading American flags on the floor of the student center. The idea was to see whether people would step on them or walk around them.

Area veterans weren't amused and American Legion Commander Charles Bennett of Farmington led a peaceful demonstration at the school.