Local Jewish organizations welcome UF’s decision to suspend pro-Palestinian protesters

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — Months after anti-Israel protests disrupted campus operations across the country, University of Florida officials have taken decisive action against some of the protesters.

While these pro-Hamas rallies and camps largely disappeared after people returned home over the summer months, the dean of students at the University of Florida is reviewing the cases of those involved in these demonstrations.

This week he announced that some of those arrested had been kicked off campus and another student had his diploma withheld.

In addition, all defendants are accused of resisting state authority.

In a statement, it was “clear from the start” that an arrest that violated school rules would result in suspension.

The University of Florida made it clear from the beginning that an arrest for violating prohibited activities would result in an interim suspension and a three-year ban. Although the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents us from disclosing confidential information from student records, we made the consequences clear to students and they faced disciplinary action by the Office of Student Conduct under UF Policy 4.040.

“It’s a very strong message. It serves as an example to other universities that have not been as strong and supportive and have allowed their campuses to become breeding grounds for hate and violence,” said Josephine Gon, executive director of community affairs for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

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Gon works closely with Jewish organizations on college campuses in our area.

She says the UF’s message is simple: hate will not be tolerated.

“We’ve seen really, really ugly behavior, and it’s gone beyond protests and expressing one’s own opinion to outright threats and intimidation of people – especially Jewish students and anyone who disagrees,” Gon said.

Last year, Governor Ron DeSantis barred the group Students for Justice in Palestine from all state universities because of its ties to the terrorist group Hamas.

A report released this week by the Director of National Intelligence said there was evidence that some of these college protests were directly funded by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

A connection that Josephine Gon says is important for all Americans to be aware of.

“If this helps Americans understand what this conflict is about and what the implications are for America and America’s national security, then that’s what needs to happen. People need to understand what’s at stake here,” Gon said.

The former University of Florida students involved in this case are appealing the Dean of Students’ decision.