Photo Credits: Chris Urso, TIMES
(TAMPA, FL, 4/30/24) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the arrest of peaceful anti-genocide protesters on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa and the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Police arrested multiple protesters who are demanding an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
SEE: 12 arrested during student protests at 2 Florida universities
In a statement, CAIR-Florida’s Imam Abdullah Jaber said:
“Arresting a particular group of students for their stance in a peaceful protest is blatant authoritarian censorship and targeting. USF officials have failed in their duty to protect our children and uphold freedom of expression and the First Amendment.
Imam Abdullah added, “The foundation of academia is debate and dialogue, even over unpopular opinions. Every progress in our nation is a result of protest and debate, which are essential elements of our democracy. Punishing our children mirrors our nation’s past grave mistakes – it has never and will never lead to a solution.”
Students of both Tampa and Gainesville formed an encampment at their respective universities to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Last night, CAIR’s Arizona chapter condemned Arizona State University (ASU) police for reportedly forcibly removing the Islamic headscarves, or hijabs, of Muslim women arrested at a pro-Palestine rally on the university’s campus.
Also yesterday, CAIR’S Greater Los Angeles Area office called on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) administration to investigate reports of counter-protesters harassing students at the UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment as possible hate crimes and demanded that the university take immediate measures to protect its students.
CAIR’s Philadelphia chapter recently joined greater Philadelphia-area mosques and Muslim community organizations in issuing an open letter calling on area college presidents and school district leaders to respect pro-Palestine students’ First Amendment rights and to refrain from disciplinary action and enacting police violence at anti-genocide protests.
George Washington University (GWU) administration has created a safe space to allow their students to peacefully protest against the genocide in Gaza. CAIR-FL would like to show gratitude to GWU for paving a safe and protected space for the students to effectively exercise their right to free speech and right to peacefully protest. We urge other universities to follow in their footsteps as the protests spread throughout the nation.
On Sunday, CAIR, the Muslim Students Association of North America (MSA), and Young Muslims hosted a know your rights and impactful protesting webinar this weekend, providing support and resources for students who are protesting to end the Gaza genocide.
The mission of CAIR-Florida is to protect civil rights, promote understanding of Islam, advocate for justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes estadounidenses.
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CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, Media and Outreach Director, (305) 502-6749, [email protected]