MONTPELIER, Vt. -
When Green Mountain College members to kill the school's mascots, they didn't expect to talk with Vermont lawmakers about their decision.
"In my 25 years of higher education I've never encountered anything quite like it," said Philip Ackerman.
But that's exactly what happened Tuesday, as school leaders and students spoke about the chaos surrounding their decision to kill their beloved oxen, Bill and Lou.
Something they say needed to happen since Lou injured his leg and the animals don't work well alone.
"3.9 million Emails to our tiny little college in the span of just a couple of days," said Ackerman.
"I got so many emails that I could not discern which ones are from students who are trying to get information about classes and being involved on the farm," said Baylee Drown.
That's why the school says the state needs to step in future cases.
To help drive home the message, they showed lawmakers the threatening emails and Facebook comments.
"I know students that missed classes because they were up all night trying to talk to people in different time zones," said Meiko Lunetta.
The college did killed Lou, but had to do so in the middle of the night because of threats.
They urged lawmakers to prepare others in case it happens again.
"I want to encourage you to make some sort of an avenue for us to defend ourselves," said Drown.
"Where are the hundreds of people that are coming on defense against the thousands of people," said Lunetta.
Lawmakers say no bill is drafted right now to deal with this situation.
But they hope to use Tuesday's hearing to help form the basis of one in the future.
As for Bill, he is still there.
We asked what the school's plans are, they wouldn't comment.
