Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Condemns Pro-Hamas College Protests, Defends Crackdown

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to a reporter who characterized pro-Palestinian protests at the university as "mostly peaceful," stating that protesters do not have the right to "pitch a tent in the middle of campus and commandeer property." The protests occurred at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where campus police arrested three protesters during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.

The university had warned the protesters that they did not have permission to hold the event and that tents were not allowed. The protesters attempted to set up tents anyway, leading to the arrests. DeSantis stressed that while protests are part of the public discourse at universities, they must remain peaceful and lawful, and the university will not tolerate violence, threats, harassment, or disruptions.

The protesters, including a student, an employee, and an individual not associated with the university, were the first pro-Palestinian protesters arrested by police and charged with trespassing and other offenses. A student organization, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), had planned the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" to commemorate the Palestinian Nakba and denounce genocide in Gaza.

DeSantis called for state universities to enforce their code of conduct, stating that free speech is subject to "time, place, and manner restrictions." The University of South Florida said it honors free speech but demonstrations must remain peaceful and not violate policies.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing tension between free speech rights and campus policies at universities across the country. It also underscores the political divide over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how it plays out on college campuses.

The Florida Holocaust Museum expressed concern for the safety of Jewish students on college campuses amid the ongoing demonstrations. Republican-led states like Texas and Florida appear to be cracking down hardest on these protests, with DeSantis warning of potential expulsion for students. "If students try this in Florida, they will be shown the door," DeSantis said, emphasizing that targeting Jewish students and faculty is unacceptable.

Key Takeaways

• FL Gov. DeSantis criticized "mostly peaceful" pro-Palestinian protests at USF.
• Protesters arrested for setting up tents without permission, violating campus policies.
• DeSantis warned universities must enforce conduct codes, restrict protests.
• FL Holocaust Museum concerned for Jewish students amid ongoing demonstrations.
• Republican-led states cracking down on protests, with threat of student expulsion.