JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As pro-Palestine protests continue on college campuses across the country, Friday is graduation day in Florida for students at the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of North Florida.
UNF confirmed that 16 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested and escorted wearing zip ties off UNF’s campus Thursday night. Many of them had been protesting throughout the day.
Spinnaker, UNF’s student-run media, reported that UNF police and JSO showed up on bicycles with face and gas masks and students were told to either leave or be arrested because the campus was closed.
JSO confirmed that the protesters were arrested, but we’re still waiting to learn the exact charges.
With graduation starting Friday morning, UNF President Moez Limayem sent a thoughtful, but stern message about the protests that have been overshadowing the pomp and circumstance at colleges nationwide.
“I’d like to remind all Ospreys and guests that UNF prohibits protests or demonstrations inside University buildings and prohibits disruption of scheduled events. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our entire campus community and our visitors. We are also committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of every student, faculty and staff member. Please remember, that with those rights come the important responsibility to follow applicable laws and regulations and understand that there are consequences for those who choose to ignore them. Again, these rules are in place to protect every person on our campus, where there is no tolerance for hate or bigotry of any kind.”
Limayem’s statement also acknowledged that many of those graduating Friday were among those who missed out on high school graduation ceremonies because of the pandemic.
“Four years ago, in the beginning of the pandemic, many of these same students graduated from high school. Yet, they missed out on much of the pomp and circumstance. Traditional ceremonies, including graduates walking across stages, accepting their diplomas and celebrating with families and friends, were disrupted.”
Increased security could be seen at Friday’s undergraduate ceremonies at UNF and there were no signs of protesters.
One woman who received her degree in psychology from UNF on Friday told News4JAX it was a day of celebration for her. She is from Venezuela and is the first in her family to graduate from college in the United States.
“It means a lot because we have been through a lot because of the Venezuela situation. It’s a story of success,” Maria Thicon said. “Leaving my country was hard. Leaving my heart and my country was hard, but I am excited that the United States gave me a home, gave me a place to stay and be free.”
Marvin Belizaire is set to be a music teacher with his degree in music education. A moment of celebration and rejoicing for him.
“It means everything,” Belizaire said of Friday’s graduation. “The past four or five years have been so much work, but it has been worth it.”
UF & FSU
Roughly a dozen pro-Palestine students were arrested at the University of Florida earlier this week. The school released a statement that read in part:
“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.”
FSU also released an advisory about prohibited behavior. It says:
“For the comfort and respect of all attendees, disruptions to the proceedings will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to outbursts, excessive noise, heckling, the use of noisemakers or any behavior indicative of intoxication. Violators will be promptly escorted from the premises to maintain the solemnity of the occasion.”
Commencement for doctoral students at Florida State will begin Friday morning, while graduation at UF is scheduled for Friday night.