Protesters rally against proposed stadium on Temple campus

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Much to the dismay of some students, staff and community members, the plan to build a football stadium on the campus of Temple University is still on the table.

"As a student, I understand how a stadium on campus can bring more spirit, but at the same time we're super lucky to be able to play at the Linc," said Marielle Helper, Temple University junior. "There's really no dire need for the stadium."

University President Richard Englert said the university would continue to explore the potential for a stadium, but that nothing has been decided.

"The university has refused to listen to the community and stop plans," said Wendy Marshall, adjunct professor. "We're here to let them know there's no way this stadium will be built."

Holding photos of the Board of Trustee members, a group of students, faculty and residents known as 'Stadium Stompers' renewed their fight to stop a proposed football stadium on campus. This, after the university's president said last month that the school would move forward with the planning process.

Critics argue the facility would displace North Philadelphia residents. They also say the money should be re-invested into the area's public education and affordable housing.

"Temple University already has problems with the community," said student Hector Belarmino. "It's not fair to the people."

"Every homeowner wants to stay here," said neighborhood resident Dawn Harris-Young "We bought these homes to stay here... and we are being pushed out."

The stadium issue was not on the agenda of Tuesday's meeting, so nothing has been decided. However, the university has commissioned an impact study to look at how this could affect the surrounding neighborhoods.

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