In response to the arrests made of protesters this evening at the University of Florida campus, below is a statement that is attributable to UF spokesman Steve Orlando:
โThis is not complicated: The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children โ they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they'll face the consequences. For many days, we have patiently told protesters โ many of whom are outside agitators โ 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.โ
University of Florida professor @tbridis.bsky.social is reporting on Twitter that UF has confirmed arresting protestors for "clearly prohibited activities". Reminder that UF's list of "prohibited activities" includes the use of chairs & pillows twitter.com/tbridis/stat... #HandsOffOurStudents