AMHERST -- Hampshire College student Eduardo Samaniego is glad the American flag is once again flying at Hampshire College.

Officials decided to return the flag Friday morning, in part because of threats they said students and faculty have endured since it was removed two weeks ago.

"So many of our students were attacked, were vilified on social media," Samaniego said. He was one of few students who would speak to a reporter on the record because of those fears.

In a statement, Hampshire President Jonathan Lash said the college "was alarmed by the overt hate and threats, especially toward people in marginalized communities, which have escalated in recent weeks."

He said in an interview that he chose to see the flag for now was a symbol "of freedom and justice."