Conservative figures commend UF for quickly shutting down pro-Hamas student protest

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Conservative figures across Florida and the U.S. commended the University of Florida for promptly providing a warning of policy noncompliance to pro-Hamas student protestors on their campus.

The school’s policies include no amplified sounds or outdoor encampments. Both of which have been seen on campuses across the U.S. as pro-Hamas demonstrators take over certain areas of their colleges and universities.

The consequences of noncompliance include being immediately trespassed and suspended from the school for three years. Faculty who are found participating in the prohibited activities would immediately be trespassed and fired.

Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh argued in favor of the policy and the potential consequences that go along with it.

“This is very well done. Nowhere does the letter say they can’t protest, nor does it tell them that certain viewpoints aren’t acceptable,” Walsh said. “It simply informs them that they must follow the same rules as everyone else or face the consequences. Pretty simple. Florida setting the example yet again.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis reacted to the incident Friday, saying such actions against Hamas supporters are “a matter of will.”

Bryan Griffin, the communications director for DeSantis, celebrated how in Florida, the state adequately deals with campus demonstrations.

“In Florida, we know the difference between free speech and harassment, and we enforce the rules. That’s why the @UF plaza ‘occupation’ by the Hamas crowd only lasted about 5 minutes,” Griffin said.

University of Florida’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter posted on its social media Thursday that the group had been issued a warning by campus police that contained “draconian new regulations” meant to shut down their “liberation zone.”

The student organization claimed that they would be back on campus for another demonstration on Friday.

A spokeswoman for the university confirmed that the warning was distributed to the student activists, and argued that the school will “always protect speech and uphold the law.”

“Camping, putting up structures, disrupting academic activity, or threatening others on university property is strictly prohibited,” the spokeswoman said.

“The University has clearly communicated this to our students and explained that they can exercise their free speech rights but breaking the law will result in an immediate trespassing order from UFPD and an interim suspension from Student Life,” she added.