JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Soon-to-be University of North Florida graduates could be seen on campus today in their cap and gowns taking pictures with friends and family ahead of their Commencement tomorrow.
Some students worried their commencement may not happen.
Chants from dozens of student protesters ring through campus. As protesters are on their third day calling for the University to divest from companies with ties to Israel and end the war between Israel and Hamas.
"We use this encampment as a tool to make sure we fight Palestinian immigration as well as divestment on our university," said Marlo Crosby, UNF Students Democratic Society Organizer.
While these protests continue on the outside, in less than 24 hours, graduates and their families will be celebrating their Commencement inside the UNF Arena.
A day, graduating senior Alex Jenkins is looking forward to. It's a big day for her since four years ago she wasn't able to walk across the stage for her high school graduation, because of the Pandemic.
"We had a drive thru one we had a virtual one but it wasn’t the same as graduating in the stadium so I’m excited to have a real one," said Jenkins.
Students like Jenkins have kept an eye out to see if their commencement could be in jeopardy.
"I would be devasted. It’s a lot of work and money for a lot of people, tuition is expensive," said Jenkins, "I’m very upset there’s other colleges taking that away from their students and so many of them are 2020 grads so it happened again."
UNF's President Dr. Moez Limayem sent a letter to students regarding commencement:
"Dear Osprey Community,
Thank you to each of our students, faculty and staff members for another exceptional semester here at the University of North Florida. Tomorrow we will wrap up final exams and host Commencement.
For many of those graduating, this will be an especially important Commencement ceremony. Four years ago, in the beginning of the pandemic, many of these same students graduated from high school. Yet, they missed out on much of the pomp and circumstance. Traditional ceremonies, including graduates walking across stages, accepting their diplomas and celebrating with families and friends, were disrupted. Even the start of college that fall was different, as social distancing and face masks were the norm.
Graduates, you made it through one of the most unique times in history. You are resilient. Our goal from the day you became an Osprey was to help you succeed, and you have. You have also learned from the best. You have worked with some of the most talented faculty members in the country. You have received guidance and assistance along the way from our hardworking staff. You have networked with alumni and business leaders, as you excelled in internships, hands-on experiences and research opportunities. You have learned in a university community that values accountability, integrity, excellence, civility and a culture of care, and you’ve adopted those same values. You are ready for tomorrow and for what comes after it.
I’d like to remind all Ospreys and guests that UNF prohibits protests or demonstrations inside University buildings and prohibits disruption of scheduled events. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our entire campus community and our visitors. We are also committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of every student, faculty and staff member. Please remember, that with those rights come the important responsibility to follow applicable laws and regulations and understand that there are consequences for those who choose to ignore them. Again, these rules are in place to protect every person on our campus, where there is no tolerance for hate or bigotry of any kind.
Let us all remember that tomorrow is about our graduates and those who helped them reach this milestone. To those graduating, thank you for being part of the Osprey family today and always. The UNF community is excited to celebrate you and your accomplishments at tomorrow’s Commencement ceremonies. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Dr. Moez Limayem
President
All Public University Presidents in Florida were also sent a letter about graduation from Chancellor Ray Rodrigues:
Presidents, I want to begin by commending you on the great job you have done during this difficult academic year to ensure the safety of our Jewish students and faculty. As you recall, on October 9, 2023, I reminded everyone of the need to ensure that Jewish students can participate in all educational programs and activities free from discrimination and in a safe environment, free from intimidation, harassment, threats, and physical violence.
Commencement ceremonies are one of the most important traditions in higher education. It is a celebratory time to recognize and honor students who have completed the requirements to earn their degree.
While we are witnessing a descent into chaos all over the country, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has maintained law and order. As the academic year concludes, we must protect the integrity of our commencement ceremonies and ensure the safety of our students. No commencement ceremony should be canceled, or substantively modified, as a result of unruly demonstrators. These ceremonies are important milestones for our graduating students, and we owe it to our students to see to it that these ceremonies take place as planned. While we respect and honor the First Amendment, a commencement ceremony is not the time nor place to hold a political protest.
You are authorized to take any steps necessary to ensure the safety of all attendees during the ceremony. Please promptly inform faculty, staff, students, and guests that protests, discrimination or harassment at commencement ceremonies will not be tolerated.
Florida law requires educational institutions to ensure that all education programs, activities, and opportunities are offered free from discrimination on the basis of race, religion or national origin. The staff at the Board of Governors are available to assist if you have any questions or if you need assistance to ensure that your commencement ceremonies are a time of celebration and remain in compliance with state law.