Protests

Two University of Florida students arrested earlier this year during pro-Palestinian protests on campus have accepted plea deals to misdemeanor criminal charges and will pay a small fine with no jail time.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, USF President Rhea Law said the university "wlll not allow violent, disruptive or aggressive acts" on campus.

USF is among the universities instituting new rules, including banning encampments andlimiting the duration of demonstrations.

Proposed amendments from the university would present limitations to student-organized events like protests and fundraisers.

USF is penalizing two students for their actions connected to pro-Palestinian rallies in April. The students say their punishments are disproportionate.

Peaceful protesters are not threatened by a measure that Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature passed in 2021 to crack down on violent demonstrations.

A Jewish community group thanks school leadership for addressing "antisemitic" activity on campus while pro-Palestinian protesting groups say the administration is failing to support its Palestinian students.

This week, we speak to WUSF reporters about their experience covering the pro-Palestinian protests on the USF campus, along with two local historians who talk about the history of protests in Tampa and at USF.

This week, we speak to WUSF reporters about their experience covering the pro-Palestinian protests on the USF campus, along with two local historians who talk about the history of protests in Tampa and at USF.

A memo was sent to Florida’s 12 public universities and colleges urging them to use any means necessary to keep grads and their families safe.

Police observed the protestors, which included children and older adults, as they gave speeches, prayed and chanted on campus. Unlike a day earlier, there were no incidents.

An estimated 100 protesters gathered for a second straight day. After they erected tents and officials "determined the protest was no longer peaceful," participants were warned it was an unlawful assembly.