Five pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested at Florida State University’s campus on Tuesday afternoon following the erection of several tents on Landis Green, a central area on the Tallahassee campus known for gatherings and protests.
Videos circulating on social media captured the arrests, which occurred after the protesters defied multiple warnings to comply with a lawful order, according to Anna Prentiss, an FSU spokesperson. Prentiss emphasized that while the university values freedom of speech, it must be exercised in accordance with university regulations and the law.
Among those arrested, two have been confirmed as students, Prentiss stated. However, a leader from one of the organizing groups claimed that four of the arrested individuals were students.
Tavyan Dorsey, Vice President of Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society, criticized the university’s response, alleging an attempt to suppress freedom of speech and discomfort President Richard McCullough.
Dorsey emphasized that setting up tents should not warrant arrests and reflected on the university’s decision to suspend their group after previous pro-Palestinian chants disrupted a governing board meeting.
The arrested individuals have been charged with misdemeanor trespass on property after warning, court records show. This incident follows a previous warning to protesters about setting up tents, with campus police intervening to remove tents set up briefly during a prior demonstration.
Governor Ron DeSantis referenced the sprinkler incident during a press conference, suggesting it as an appropriate response to protesters. The campus water sprinklers unexpectedly turned on during Thursday’s protest, dampening signs.
These arrests come amidst broader demonstrations across Florida campuses, with nine protesters arrested at the University of Florida on Monday and three at the University of South Florida the same day. On Tuesday, ten additional protesters were arrested at the University of South Florida after police deployed tear gas on a group that refused to disperse.