An Arizona State University senior who was suspended after being arrested for trespassing during an anti-Israel protest broke down in tears over the loss of graduation as a result of his actions.
“I’m now limited from a lot of things I never expected to stand up for what I believe in.” Briana Blocker told ABC15. she choked.
“My family is coming, but I have to tell them that they won’t be coming to the graduation ceremony.”
She added through tears: I am a 2020 high school graduate, so I couldn’t walk yet at that time. Look, here it is. I can’t walk now. ”
Blocker said he expects to finish his classes with a degree, but it’s unclear under what circumstances he will graduate.
Through tears, Blocker said she would participate in protests like this one again, where at least 72 students were arrested at ASU.
“I did what I believed was right, and I still believe it was right. I will stand up for a cause again, even if it means something negative to me.” she said.
“So much damage has already been done to all of those people. I’m safe, I’m fine. Maybe not. [walk at graduation] It may have a negative impact on my future job prospects, etc., but I’m not in any physical danger. I’m not constantly worried about getting hurt or getting kicked out of the house or anything like that. ”
A U.S. district judge on Friday denied a motion to lift the suspensions of 20 ASU students arrested during an on-campus protest last week. Among them is fourth-year student Brianna Blocker, who claims her suspension prevented her from attending graduation ceremonies.
Blocker was among the students who were suspended and had to leave campus, and the students filed a lawsuit against the university on Tuesday.
The lawsuit accuses ASU of violating students’ free speech rights and retaliating against students who participated in the protests.
