USF parents, students concerned about protests as graduation approaches
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Graduation weekend begins at USF-Tampa on Thursday, April 2, and after years of hard work, some parents told 8 On Your Side they’re worried protestors could negatively impact the celebration.
USF officials told 8 On Your Side they will not tolerate inappropriate behavior at the ceremonies.
They said there will be an increased police presence at the Yuengling Center for Thursday night and the rest of the weekend.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of South Florida have been unclear if they will make their movement known at graduation.
“Do we have plans to disrupt? No comment,” a protestoer said.
USF officials said all graduates have been reminded they will be kicked out of the Yuengling Center if they interfere with graduation.
“If the university wants graduations to proceed, if the university wants fundraisers and fairs and places where people spend lots of money then they need to divest,” another protestor said.
When the school told the Students for a Democratic Society they were suspended from holding protests on campus, students picked up their picket signs.
When the school instructed them not to set up camp, protestors took out their tents.
When police used tear gas on Tuesday to make 10 arrests, protesters didn’t back down.
“They tried to suppress us. They tried to silence us but we’re back,” a demonstrator shouted through a bullhorn during Wednesday’s protest.
Wednesday’s protests were peaceful with no arrests as a large group marched to campus.
Every day since Monday, students and non-students have come together demanding change.
They want the university to stop funding companies they say “support the genocide in Gaza.”
Some parents fear what will happen when they come to campus to celebrate their child’s major milestone on Thursday and throughout the weekend.
“I’m worried it could get disrupted or canceled,” a USF parent told 8 On Your Side. “Or maybe you know students who feel really passionate about the issue decide to demonstrate during commencement.”
Graduation ceremonies begin Thursday night at 6 at the Yuengling Center on USF’s Tampa campus.
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