GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida is telling students what they can and can’t do if they want to protest on campus, and rulebreakers among students and faculty will face harsh penalties, according to information being shared on campus this week.
The notice by UF says that students are allowed to engage in speech, express viewpoints and hold signs, but they are not permitted to demonstrate inside of buildings, block entrances or exits, leave unmanned signs, camp, use sound amplifiers or make threats of violence, among other prohibitions.
The notice sent to students says violators will receive a three-year trespass and a suspension from the school, while employees will be trespassed and “separated from employment.”
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A UF spokesperson also gave the following statement to News 6:
“Peaceful protests are constitutionally protected. Camping, putting up structures, disrupting academic activity, or threatening others on university property is strictly prohibited. The University has clearly communicated this to our students and explained that they can exercise their free speech rights but breaking the law will result in an immediate trespassing order from UFPD and an interim suspension from Student Life.”
UF Spokesperson
Meanwhile, the University of Central Florida provided the following statement about its commitment to free expression:
UCF is a public university that values the free exchange of ideas and the expression of different viewpoints. All members of the UCF community and campus visitors alike have the right to express their beliefs without violence or disruption, subject to the rules and regulations of the university and state and federal laws.
UCF Spokesperson
“There’s a lot of history to both sides. It’s not an easy issue at all...” UCF student Giacomo Cueva told News 6 regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. “I would like that both (are) unified at the end of the day. I feel conflict brings no peace at the end of the day.”
Universities throughout Florida and across the country are reacting as large protests spring up at campuses, calling for the U.S. to suspend its support for Israel and force an end to the country’s war in Gaza.
Read the notice below:
UF Information by Brandon Hogan on Scribd
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