University of Florida Comes Down Hard On Protesters: 'Not A Daycare'

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Hundreds of students are gathered at San Francisco State University (SFSU) to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza, in Stanford, California, United States on April 29, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The University of Florida has said it is “not a daycare” after nine protesters were arrested during pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus on Monday.

“This is not complicated. The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children—they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences,” said university spokesman Steve Orlando in a statement.

“For many days, we have patiently told protesters—many of whom are outside agitators—that they were able to exercise their right to free speech and free assembly. And we also told them that clearly prohibited activities would result in a trespassing order from UPD (barring them from all university properties for three years) and an interim suspension from the university.

“For days UPD patiently and consistently reiterated the rules. Today, individuals who refused to comply were arrested after UPD gave multiple warnings and multiple opportunities to comply.”

Students have been protesting Israel’s war in Gaza on college campuses across the country. Universities have sought to shut down the demonstrations, and those in Republican-led states like Texas and Florida appear to be cracking down hardest.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.

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