Identity of Speakers
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UF Students
Student
Other
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Rally or protest
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Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
Rally or Protests
University administration invoked formal speech code in response
Campus police
Other Law Enforcement
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
In April 2024, students at the University of Florida organized a pro Palestinian protest at the Plaza of the Americas, urging the university to divest from companies linked to Israel and military activities. About 50 students participated in the peaceful demonstration. Prior to the protest, the university warned that violations of campus rules—such as using amplified sound, blocking walkways, or erecting unauthorized structures—could result in suspension or a three year ban from campus. Faculty and staff were also cautioned against participating in prohibited actions.
Following the protest, the university suspended six students for periods ranging from two semesters up to three years. These academic suspensions barred the students from attending classes, earning credits, and accessing campus facilities. The university denied all appeals, maintaining that the students had been properly warned and that enforcement was necessary to preserve campus order.
In addition to the suspensions, nine individuals were arrested during the protest. Most faced misdemeanor charges, including trespassing and resisting an officer, and resolved their cases through plea deals involving fines, community service, or deferred prosecution. One protester was charged with felony battery for allegedly spitting on a police officer but later reached a plea agreement that avoided jail time.
