May 2, 2024 9:41 a.m. ET
The University of Florida plans to proceed with its graduation ceremony.Prime Minister says protests are 'unacceptable'
From CNN's Rachel Ramirez
As campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza intensify and universities grapple with how to proceed with graduation ceremonies, the University of Florida is moving forward with its own commencement ceremony on Friday.
In a letter to the Florida State University System, Chancellor Ray Rodriguez said tomorrow's university-wide graduation ceremony “is neither the time nor the place for political protest.”
About nine people were arrested this week at protests on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida, adding to a growing list of campus arrests across the country.
“No graduation ceremony should be canceled or materially altered because of unruly protesters,” Rodriguez wrote.
The statement comes as the university reconsiders how to hold graduation ceremonies amid ongoing protests. The University of Southern California has already canceled its main commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024, but Columbia University has asked the New York Police Department to remain on campus until at least May 17, two days after graduation. did.
As for the Florida university, Rodriguez said the ceremony will go on as scheduled.
“You are authorized to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of all attendees during the ceremony,” Rodriguez wrote. “Please immediately convey to faculty, staff, students, and guests that protests, discrimination, and harassment at graduation ceremonies will not be tolerated.”
The University of Florida will host Carlton Ward Jr., a conservation photographer known for his photographs of the elusive Florida panther and an advocate for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, in an event scheduled for tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET. I am scheduled to address graduates at the university-wide graduation ceremony. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.