OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Six Omaha Central High cheerleaders followed in the footsteps of three University of Nebraska football players and other athletes across the country who have silently knelt during the national anthem.

The girls said they took a knee to protest racial injustice and recent police shootings.

The girls say they made the decision to kneel shortly before the game, which pitted Central against Lincoln High. Football players were not on the field during the anthem.

Said junior Taichelle Butler, “We don’t hate America. We want America to be greater.”