Florida’s flagship institution has made it clear that disruptive anti-Israel protests on its campuses will not be permitted.
The University of Florida issued a directive Friday outlining what is and is not appropriate behavior for people wishing to exercise their right to free speech at the university, as well as the repercussions for students or workers who cross the line.
Related posts
The document acquired by FOX Business clarifies that demonstrators may speak, express their opinions, and hold signs in their hands, but it also lists a slew of prohibited behaviors, including “amplified sound,” holding rallies within university buildings, issuing threats, and engaging in violence.
The University of Florida also stated unequivocally that no tents or sleeping bags are permitted as part of campus demonstrations, serving as a warning to activists who may wish to set up a similar encampment to those that have sprung up at other schools since pro-Palestinian demonstrators established one at Columbia University more than a week ago.
The vast majority of America’s top 50 colleges have experienced anti-Israel protests over the last week, with some resulting in the detention of dozens of participants.
There have been multiple allegations of antisemitic harassment as a result of the protests, prompting a number of colleges to cancel in-person classes due to concerns about the safety of Jewish students and faculty.
Outside activists and professors have joined marching students to demand that institutions divest from Israel.
However, unruly demonstrators at the University of Florida can expect to be kicked out permanently.
The school stated that anyone who engages in the illegal activities outlined in its directive will be trespassed, and students who violate the guidelines will be banned from campus for three years and suspended.
Employees at the university, including professors, who engage in forbidden activities face termination.
