TAMPA, Fla. — What started as a peaceful protest in support of Palestine near the University of South Florida library quickly turned chaotic. Three protestors were taken into custody.
Before the protest could start, it was moved by USF staff. In a statement to 10 Tampa Bay, the university said it protects students' right to free speech and encourages them to express themselves as long as the events remain peaceful. The statement, in part, reads:
“The University of South Florida values the right to free speech and protecting the constitutional right for individuals and groups on campus to express themselves. This includes peaceful protests and demonstrations that occur regularly on USF’s three campuses without incident and are part of the public discourse of a university. However, the expression of free speech must remain peaceful and not violate the law or USF policies. The university has been clear that violence, threats, harassment and disruptions will not be tolerated.
At 12 p.m. on Monday, April 29, a student organization, the Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), attempted to hold a protest outside of the library on the USF Tampa campus. The group was placed on interim suspension last week after causing a disruption on campus. Suspended student organizations are not permitted to host events and activities, which the group was made aware of several times prior to today’s protest, including another reminder this morning.
When the student organization attempted to hold a protest anyway, university staff informed them that they were not authorized to continue.”
After being asked to leave the library, students moved across the street as USF officers and staff kept watch.
“USF students and Tampa as a whole is standing with Palestine. That's the whole reason we're out here to show that we're not represented by our university's actions,” a USF student said.
Several university officers were present as dozens of students gathered in the MLK Plaza chanting "ceasefire now." Students were demanding the university divest from companies they believe are pro-Israel and shift support to Palestinian students and student movements.
Opposing groups were also there while holding Israeli flags. Students against the free Palestine movement said they did not want to speak to 10 Tampa Bay.
As the protests continued, tension between protestors and USF officers continued to rise.
“I was right in the front, but through the pushing, people got pushed into me. Many, like, small women had fallen. Me and my friend thought the biggest thing we could do is pick people up and drag them back,” one USF student said.
The statement from the university goes on to say:
“All students and student organizations were reminded yesterday, April 28, that under university policy tents cannot be set up on campus without prior approval. This warning, which was again communicated to SDS this morning, was ignored. Before removing tents, university staff again tried to advise protestors that they could not use tents. Participants refused to comply with directions from staff members. Several individuals resisted actions by university staff to take down the tents after repeated warnings, which resulted in three arrests, including one student, one employee and one individual who is not affiliated with the university.”
All of this comes days after Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged universities to expel students for engaging in unsanctioned protests.
"I think it's an incrimination on our First Amendment rights. I want to be angry, but honestly, I'm just sad,” a USF student said.
The Florida Holocaust Museum sent 10 Tampa Bay a statement regarding today’s protest.
“As protestors on college campuses scream 'October 7th will be every day for you' and 'Go back to Poland' at Jewish students, it’s time to act decisively to keep Jews safe.
The Florida Holocaust Museum was heartened to see the University of Florida firmly enforce its own code of conduct while upholding free speech rights, and applauds the University of South Florida for sending a strong message that it will follow suit.
We call on all colleges and universities to do the same. Your students and faculty are in danger. Your decision should not be difficult.
Antisemitism has become a prominent feature, rather than a bug, of anti-Israel protests, some of which include professors. Demonstrators have targeted Jewish students with violence, intimidation, and harassment, even blocking their way into their own campuses. A leader of Columbia’s encampment equated Zionists (people, like more than 80% of Jews, who believe in statehood for the Jewish people in Israel) with Nazis and white supremacists, saying he feels comfortable calling for their deaths.
Jewish families have noticed. Since October 7, 64% of Jewish parents say that campus antisemitism has eliminated colleges their high schoolers would have otherwise considered attending.
We appreciate USF Hillel and other Hillels around the country for supporting their communities and offering a safe harbor amid this concerning environment. It is disturbing that creating such a refuge has become necessary.
The Holocaust taught us that capitulation in the face of antisemitic mobs only leads to more antisemitism. We’ve seen what happens where there is silence, and we’ve seen what happens when the world takes action. In the name of Holocaust victims, survivors, and their descendants, we must show the world that antisemitism will never again be met with silence. We will not stand idly by, and we call on everyone to join us.”
It is unclear if the student who was arrested will be expelled.