A MARCH IN FAVOR OF TOLERATION AND CIVIL RIGHTS at which attendance is compulsory.

That same spirit prevailed Friday in Frederick, when Hood College led more than 1,200 students, faculty and other local residents nearly 2 miles from Harry Grove Stadium to the Rosemont Avenue campus in a commemorative “March on Frederick.”

The march was the crown jewel in a year of programming to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. School officials said it also marks the same milestone since Hood enrolled its first black student. . . .

Helena Hammond-DoDoo, a senior at Hood, called the march a great concept that needed better execution. Participation was mandatory for some student groups whether people were truly interested or not, she said.

“If we have absent-minded people sitting here not really listening, what have we really done?” she said.

Many students, like freshman Katie Hippert, said they view civil rights as “freedom for everyone.”

Emilie had a more clear-cut definition: “the right for anyone to go and do whatever they please, as long as it’s lawful.”

Even, maybe, not go to a march? As Walter Olson comments: “Expecting people to join a cause march whether they are inclined to or not. Expecting them to join a flag salute and pledge of allegiance whether they are inclined to or not. Similarities/differences?”

And as someone comments on Facebook: “Mandatory demonstrations in favor of the prevailing ideology, styled as if they were voluntary expressions of commitment to change. I think I’ve heard of these before.”