ORTONVILLE, Mich. -- About 200 students at Brandon High in Ortonville staged a sit-in, protesting the demotion of their principal.

Students dressed in black in protest over the demotion of what seems to be a popular principal, Dr. Michael Ferguson.

One student Ryan Carroll, said Ferguson really connected with students, and helped him when a close friend died.

Some seniors said they wanted him there when they graduate this year.

Ferguson was principal at Brandon High for 13 years.

Last week he was reassigned to head the alternative learning center.

The superintendent said he received information from the teachers' union that led to the demotion.

A leader of the teachers' union told Local 4 that Ferguson failed to communicate the concerns of teachers and staff to the superintendent.

At least three students were suspended for insubordination, not for protesting.