The University of Florida has been praised by conservatives for declaring it is “not a day care center,” and anti-Israel demonstrators who break the rules will be rewarded as campuses across the country are flooded with progressive anti-Semitic demonstrations. will receive.
“This is not complicated. The University of Florida is not a daycare center and we do not treat protesters like children. They know the rules, they broke them, and they will face the consequences.” ,” said university spokesman Steve Orlando.
He noted that protesters, many of whom are outside agitators, have been told they can exercise their rights to free speech and freedom of assembly.
University of Florida lays off all DEI employees in compliance with state law
University of Florida, Gainesville, students and campus entrance. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
“We also advised Orlando that clearly prohibited activities would result in a trespass order from UPD (a three-year ban on all university grounds) and provisional suspension from the university.” he said. “UPD patiently and consistently reiterated the rules for days. Today, after UPD provided multiple warnings and multiple opportunities to comply, an individual was arrested who refused to comply.”
Reports said nine anti-Israel protesters were arrested Monday at the state’s flagship university, the University of Florida in Gainesville, but it was unclear who, if any, were students.
Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author, wrote in response to former Nebraska State Sen. Ben Sasse, the university’s president, continuing to take steps to protect Jewish students on campus: “This is the Florida way.” ” he said. .
“This is a cascade of leadership. @GovRonDeSantis sets the vision, @BenSasse enacts policy, and aptly named spokesperson Steve Orlando echoes the tone. Coordinated movements. Clear incentives. It’s a perfect contrast to Colombia,” Rufo added.
“Earlier this year, President Sasse fired the entire DEI department, eliminating potential sources of support for pro-Hamas protesters and solidifying his administration around common-sense priorities,” Rufo said. continued. “The next move is to continue to emphasize the contrast with blue institutions.”
Sasse has been a harsh critic of Hamas since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, and said it shouldn’t be difficult for universities to protect free speech and religious students.
Another X user posted, “That’s nonsense and the reason Florida isn’t purple anymore. People gravitate toward common sense and decency.”
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) responded, “This is the way to go.”
Universities crack down on anti-Israel agitators as protesters seek ‘amnesty’
University of Florida President Ben Sasse recently told Fox News that he is committed to free speech and protecting Jewish students. (Fox News)
Others called on schools such as Columbia University to “be careful,” with one person saying the statement “sounds like conservative porn.”
“Send your kids to the University of Florida instead of Columbia. They won’t play with terrorists,” one person added.
“In areas where Republicans hold political power, universities are starting to sound different,” writes Richard Hanania, director of the Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology (CSPI).
“This is a university that is not afraid to enforce rules on students,” added Nikki Neilly, president of Parents in Education.
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Many others praised Florida’s response on social media.
The University of Florida announced in March that it would lay off all employees in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) positions and administrative positions.
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Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz, Nikolas Lanum and David Rutz contributed to this report.
