Following arrests at the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF), Florida Gov. DeSantis emphasized the importance of upholding First Amendment rights while ensuring the peaceful nature of such gatherings.
Several individuals were arrested during pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel demonstrations at USF's Tampa campus and UF in Gainesville.
These protests are part of a larger wave of demonstrations across the nation, calling for universities to sever ties with Israel or divest from companies supporting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Read: UF Tells Pro-Hamas Protesters “The University Of Florida Is Not A Daycare”
DeSantis, addressing the protests during a news conference in Naples Tuesday, affirmed his support for the students' First Amendment rights.
He emphasized that individuals are free to gather and express their opinions irrespective of their stance on the issue. However, he made it clear that he does not condone disruptive actions that infringe on the rights of others.
“The University of Florida, Florida State, our universities have been very strong in saying, ‘You can say what you want, but you don’t have the right to commandeer territory, you don’t have the right to harass students or faculty or any of that. And if you do violate (the) code of conduct, we’re going to show you the door. You will be expelled,’” DeSantis said.
The arrests at USF occurred after protesters attempted to set up an encampment on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza lawn, contrary to university directives. University officials had explicitly stated that tents could not be set up on campus, and violating this directive could result in disciplinary actions against individuals or student organizations involved.
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UF officials were quick to respond to the protests, issuing warnings about prohibited activities during demonstrations.
The university made it clear that it would not tolerate any form of violence, threats, or disruptions. Students and employees found violating these rules faced severe consequences, including suspension and termination.
“This is not complicated: The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children — they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences,” university spokesman Steve Orlando said in the statement.
According to the statement, “many” protesters on campus were “outside agitators,” and that university police had reminded demonstrators of the restrictions.
According to the university, demonstrators who engage in “clearly prohibited activities” will be issued trespassing orders by police, barring them from university premises for three years, as well as “interim” suspensions from UF.
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A document released last week and extensively shared on social media outlined permitted protest activities as well as prohibited measures. Speech, “expressing viewpoints,” and “holding signs in hands” were all mentioned as acceptable activities.
The use of amplified sound, demonstrations within buildings, camping, building construction, interruptions, threats, and violence were all prohibited actions.
Despite the warnings, nine individuals were arrested by the University Police Department (UPD) and the Florida Highway Patrol. Charges ranged from failure to obey a lawful command to trespass after warning. One protester even faced charges of battery after spitting on an officer.
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