UF suspends arrested pro-Palestinian protesters for up to four years

In closed-door meetings, the UF ignored recommendations to impose lighter punishments on six students arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on April 29. Instead, they imposed harsher suspensions of up to four years from their studies.

The suspensions, imposed by UF’s Office of the Dean of Students, overrode the recommendations of the Student Conduct Committee (SCC), a panel of faculty, staff and students that reviewed evidence of the protests, including police footage.

The committee’s recommendations ranged from one- to four-year suspensions and academic probation, according to a July 8 press release from Tess Segal, one of the suspended students. But the university opted for harsher punishments: Each student received at least a three-year suspension.

The SCC recommended academic probation for one student, Keely Gilwa. However, the Dean’s Office imposed a three-year suspension on her, preventing her from receiving her master’s degree on May 2.

Allan Frasheri, a 21-year-old final-year philosophy student at the University of Florida, was charged with assault for allegedly spitting on a police officer. He was recommended for a one-year suspension, but was actually given a four-year suspension.

Dean of Students Chris Summerlin, who took office in April just before the protests, did not immediately respond to questions about why he imposed harsher punishments on students than those recommended by the SCC.

Students on academic suspension cannot enroll in courses at UF and are not allowed to complete their degree until the suspension is lifted. To do so, students must appeal to the university. However, they can take courses at another institution and later transfer their credits to UF once their suspension is lifted, according to university policy.

UF spokeswoman Cynthia Roldan said student records, including student conduct hearings, are protected from public inspection under federal law.

All nine arrested, including two community members who are not students, face criminal prosecution by the state in addition to academic penalties. Each arrested was offered a plea bargain, but all nine opted for a trial instead.

“We did not resist arrest and are prepared to fight the charges,” said Parker Hovis, one of the students charged. “We will not stand idly by while our right to peaceful expression, speech and assembly is criminalized.”

Separately, Santa Fe College student Charly Pringle was recommended for probation but received a three-year suspension, the release said. SFC spokeswoman Lisa Blonsky said the college has not charged or disciplined any student for participating in the April 29 protests.

“Calling on my university to withdraw from war is an act of Tikkun Olam,” Segal wrote, referring to a Hebrew concept of repairing and improving the world. “I stand in solidarity with the Palestinians, not in spite of my Judaism, but because of it.”