Amherst (AP)  -- Supporters of a former University of Massachusetts student accused of stabbing two men on campus are asking prosecutors to reconsider the charges filed against him.

About 1,700 students, alumni and Amherst residents signed a petition that was presented Monday to Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel. It asks her to review what they describe as excessive charges against Jason Vassell.

Vassell, who is black, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated assault by means of a dangerous weapon in connection with the Feb. 3 incident that involved two white men. He says they broke his dorm room window and taunted him with racial insults.

Supporters say they're concerned that only one of the men who Vassell says broke into him dorm and attacked him faces charges.