One of the most argued about topic is concerning the best way to handle the campus protests concerning Hamas/Israel. The approach at the I y League schools seems to be one of mollycoddling the protestors. I do not understand what the endpoint to this approach is. Perhaps those in charge at these schools are hoping that the se protests will fizzle out once the academic school year ends.
In contrast the University of Florida is taking a non-mollycoddling sort of approach.
From the Gainesville Sun:
“A pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Florida has turned controversial as the university has threatened student and employee protestors with a ban from campus if they engage in prohibited activities.
The university had distributed a flyer of new items and activities not allowed during protest.
The university gave a statement about the situation to The Sun Friday which said UF will protect speech and uphold the law.
“Peaceful protests are constitutionally protected. Camping, putting up structures, disrupting academic activity, or threatening others on university property is strictly prohibited,” the university 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.”
Cynthia Roldán, UF director of public affairs, shared in an email the document that was given to students Thursday. The paper highlights the allowed and prohibited activities during protesting, which Roldán said are part of existing UF policies and regulations.
Additionally, Roldán said in an email that UF’s policies have been in place for years and none have been adjusted recently.
Allowable activities include speech, expressing viewpoints and holding signs in hands, the paper reads. Prohibited activities include sleeping, camping, amplified sound and demonstrations inside buildings, among others. Additionally, prohibited items include camping items, weapons, unmanned signs and chairs, among others.
Additionally, the document reads that individuals who don’t comply with these rules, and those found engaging in prohibited activities, will be trespassed from campus. Students will receive a three year trespass and suspension, while employees will be trespassed and removed from employment.”
So there you have it.
“ Mollycoddling” vs. “Non-Mollycoddling”
Which approach will prove to be effective?
Place your bets!
4/27/24