Florida Gulf Coast University students, joined by community members, gathered on campus to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and recent deaths involving federal officers.
Students carried signs and chanted, "Immigrants are welcome here," showcasing their solidarity.
Sophomore Bella Lozano shared her response to the event, stating, "That made me so emotional to see how we stood up. It was completely organized by students. So, I just, I really love seeing that."
The protest at FGCU is part of a series of student demonstrations across the Gulf Coast, including at Lee County high schools such as Ida Baker High School, Mariner High School, and North Fort Myers.
The Lee County School District issued a statement emphasizing respect for students' constitutional rights to free expression but warned that disciplinary action would be enforced for disruptions or violations of the student code of conduct.
Attorney Clare Dooley explained the legal boundaries regarding student protests, stating, "Our Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any laws that conflict with our Constitution are illegal. They cannot discipline children for exercising their First Amendment rights. They are allowed to discipline students as the same way they would any other student who cuts class."
A Local activism group, the National Organization of Women - Lee County, encouraged parents and students to contact the school district about their rights to protest without consequence.
Stephanie Pavliscak from NOW Lee County urged parents to support their children, saying, "If I had a student that was still in Lee County schools, I would be contacting my representative today and telling them that it is unacceptable. I think that parents should have a talk with their children about their values and support them in any way they can."
The school district cautioned staff that participation in these actions would lead to accountability, aiming to maintain respectful and secure environments in schools.
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