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While Ben Sasse left quite a bit to be desired during his time as a United States Senator from Nebraska, his administration’s handling of the pro-Hamas protesters at the University of Florida, where he is now president, has been a case study in how it’s done.
As RedState previously reported, the encampments we’ve seen crop up at other higher education institutions like Columbia University and UCLA were strongly discouraged from the outset at the U of F, as were other things, like “protests inside buildings, … blocking egress, building structures” and the like.
They also noted the consequences, which included “a 3-year trespass and suspension.” Employees,” they also warned, “will be trespassed and separated from employment.”
In other words, free speech is fine and will be protected, but the nonsense that impedes the rights of others, not so much.
As per the norm, though, some agitators didn’t listen. As a result, nine were arrested Monday, including at least one for spitting on an officer.
In response to outcry from protest “leaders” and their defenders, here’s what the school’s spokesman, Steve Orlando, had to say:
“This is not complicated: The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children — they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences. For many days, we have patiently told protesters — many of whom are outside agitators — that they were able to exercise their right to free speech and free assembly. And we also told them that clearly prohibited activities would result in a trespassing order from UPD (barring them from all university properties for three years) and an interim suspension from the university. For days UPD patiently and consistently reiterated the rules. Today, individuals who refused to comply were arrested after UPD gave multiple warnings and multiple opportunities to comply.”
In other words, FAFO is in full effect, which is refreshing to see and a far cry from Columbia’s coddling of pro-Hamas demonstrators, which unfortunately ushered forth a very predictable outcome, as we reported earlier.
“Go Gators” is not a chant you typically hear from people who aren’t Florida Gators fans, but in this writer’s case, an exception to the rule is being made.
“Go Gators,” and please keep up the good work in making critically important distinctions between what protecting free speech means versus zero tolerance policies designed to make the school safe, secure, and welcoming for others, especially at a time when cries of “First Amendment violations” are running wild.
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