RENO, Nev. (AP) — About two dozen people rallied today to drum up support for a grand jury investigation of their claims of corruption by top University of Nevada, Reno officials.

The demonstrators held placards outside the Washoe County Courthouse, where a hearing on their request for the hearing was held last month.

District Judge Connie Steinheimer has said she would rule on the request at a later date.

Today's protesters included former women's soccer coach Terri Patraw, geology professor Richard Schweickert and UNR police officer Lane Grow.

The group has accused UNR and other higher education officials of being involved in criminal activity and conspiring to cover it up.

An attorney for the university has said the allegations are "senseless rhetoric" that have already been dismissed by courts.