RALEIGH -- The students who admitted to painting racial slurs in North Carolina State University's free expression tunnel apologized Wednesday, just hours before the Student Senate passed a resolution condemning the action.

“We do see this as a severe issue and something that doesn't just affect the African-American population here at N.C. State, but also the Asians and Native Americans here,” Morgan Donnelly, a junior on the Student Senate, said. “We do have a diverse campus.”

The resolution asks the university to punish the students to the full extent of its policies and urges the university to change its harassment policies to address acts that create a hostile campus environment.

Some people believe this resolution doesn't go far enough. They wanted it to include a recommendation for the students' expulsion.

“We wanted the university to use the students as an example, so we're looking for expulsion,” said student senator Maritza Adonis, a junior. “We're also looking for an established hate crime policy.”

Chancellor James Oblinger said in a statement, "after careful consideration by university legal counsel ... we have determined that there are no legal grounds to expel or suspend these students." The chancellor's statement also said the four students who admitted to painting the racial slurs voluntarily issued an apology through his office.

"I am very sorry for my actions and for the anger and fear brought to N.C. State. I have realized that some of my preconceived ideas were prejudicial and wrong but I am trying to overcome these," it included.

All four students asked the university and student body for forgiveness.

“I do accept their apology but I know as students and senate, we will not forget and move on and fight for a better university,” Donnelly said.