The students sang an alternative version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” criticizing the government for ignoring American youths’ concerns, such as protecting the environment and making higher education more accessible.

Lindsay said she was singing in the visitors’ gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives when she was led into a hallway and arrested.

Officers in the House Gallery observed the disruption and took action, Schneider said. As students began singing, house members also took notice, Skervin said.

“I think on the ground it was definitely a commotion,” she said. “It was disrupting the procedure they were doing, and that’s what we wanted to do.”

Before they entered the gallery, students were warned their actions might lead to arrest. Despite the possibility of jail time or a fine, Skervin thought the chance to make a difference was worth it.

“We came to the realization that we have to show that we’re willing to give up some of our comfort for a cause that we thought was important,” Skervin said.

Skervin said the government focuses more on budget concerns than issues that “really matter.”

Issues that will impact young adults and future generations are being brushed aside, she said.

“There’s something wrong with that,” she said. “We wanted to call attention to that by disrupting the status quo.”

Despite her phone calls, petitions and participation in other protests, Skervin said members of the government are not paying attention to her concerns. Stronger actions are necessary in facilitating change, she said.

Next Wednesday, Skervin and Lindsay will travel to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 500 Indiana Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C., to their arraignment, the students said.

Misdemeanors, such as unlawful conduct, have maximum punishments of 12 months in jail. The students’ penalties will be decided by the court after their arraignment.

Although Lindsay’s last exam will be finished Wednesday evening, unless Skervin’s instructor allows her to reschedule, she’ll miss one of her final exams.

Despite the personal inconvenience and potential fines, protesting was an important step in inspiring others to stand up for their rights, Lindsay said.

“I hope that people will be inspired and realize that … you have to risk something to get the bigger goal,” Lindsay said. “I feel like people are too concerned about themselves — they need to realize they’re part of a whole.”