Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned that anti-Israel protesters on Florida college campuses who engage in harassing, offensive, or belligerent behavior could face expulsion. This warning comes in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrators overtaking Ivy League campuses such as Columbia University, Harvard, and Yale, as well as schools in Texas, USC, and the University of Minnesota. DeSantis emphasized that blocking roads and bridges could have serious consequences for those in medical emergencies or needing to pick up children, and it is not an acceptable form of protest.
DeSantis criticized demonstrators who protest on behalf of Hamas as “absurd” and called out the harassment of Jewish students and professors on campuses like Yale and Columbia. He stated that such behavior is not free speech but violates appropriate conduct and amounts to harassment. DeSantis warned that at Florida universities, consequences will be faced for such actions, with expulsion being a likely outcome. The governor emphasized that when individuals face consequences for their actions, such disrespectful behavior is less likely to occur.
The governor shared his strong stance on the issue via a tweet, reiterating that “Hamas protesters rule the roost” at universities like Columbia and Yale. DeSantis stressed that such behavior would not be tolerated at Florida universities, where expulsion would be a consequence for those engaging in anti-Israel protests. With Florida being home to three of the country’s most-populated campuses, including the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, and Florida International University, DeSantis is making it clear that these actions will not be acceptable on their campuses.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations and protests have also occurred at top Texas universities, including Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. While the gathering at Texas A&M did not result in any reported frictions or arrests, the situation was different at the University of Texas. Here, hundreds of anti-Israel protesters flooded a campus lawn, leading to clashes with local police officers and state troopers. In total, there were 57 arrests, with 46 of those charges already being dropped, according to the Texas Tribune.
DeSantis’ stance on anti-Israel protests on college campuses reflects a strong approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and faculty. By emphasizing the consequences of such behavior, he aims to deter individuals from engaging in harassing or offensive actions. The governor’s warning comes in response to a rise in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at universities across the country, particularly at Ivy League schools and top Texas universities. DeSantis’ focus on enforcing appropriate conduct and consequences for unacceptable behavior underscores his commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all on Florida campuses.
