Activists protest after USF students face suspension and expulsion for pro-Palestinian protests

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Students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at the University of South Florida in April now face administrative penalties such as suspension and expulsion.

On Wednesday, people gathered in front of the school to protest.

Several dozen protesters waved signs and chanted things like “Free Palestine!” on Fowler Avenue in front of the Tampa campus.

They want USF to show support for Palestine and drop all charges against students who participated in the April demonstrations, which resulted in numerous violations of student code of conduct and thirteen arrests.

During one of the protests, several police forces used tear gas to disperse the group.

Joseph Charry is an international student at USF and was one of the organizers of these protests.

He was suspended from the university for one year,And he says that this puts him at risk of deportation.

“We know that we will always oppose genocide and we will continue to fight for Palestine, no matter what accusations the US forces make against us!”

Icarus Jaspard is a student at USF and is now facing conduct violations due to his participation.

“These are false accusations that are intended to punish students at the University of South Florida who are going against the will of USF.”

USF President Rhea Law issued a statement following the demonstrations in April They said the protest was illegal and not peaceful.