News Summary
The Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society have initiated legal action against the University of South Florida, claiming violations of constitutional rights related to pro-Palestinian advocacy. The lawsuit outlines numerous counts, including discrimination and free speech violations, after the university expelled a student and imposed disciplinary actions on others. TBSDS seeks monetary damages and the reversal of sanctions against its members, claiming that USF’s response to their advocacy has been influenced by external pressures. The case is under the jurisdiction of U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday.
Tampa, Florida – The Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (TBSDS) has initiated legal action against the University of South Florida (USF), filing an 85-page complaint in federal court in Tampa. The lawsuit claims that USF infringed on the constitutional rights of its members after expelling one student and imposing disciplinary actions on others related to their pro-Palestinian advocacy.
In its lawsuit, TBSDS outlines 19 counts against USF, including negligent training, conspiracy to violate rights, defamation, libel, slander, discrimination, and violations of due process and free speech. The TBSDS alleges that USF administrators have worked to suppress the group’s speech and advocacy since at least October 2023.
The defendants named in the suit encompass a range of university officials and entities, including USF trustees, the USF Police Department, President Rhea Law, Assistant Dean Melissa Graham, and Dean of Students Danielle McDonald.
According to the lawsuit, USF expelled Victoria Hinckley just days before her graduation in 2024 and disciplined students Saba Indawala and Vicky Tong. The plaintiffs argue that these actions represent discrimination based on their Palestinian identity and speech, claiming they faced different treatment compared to other students.
The lawsuit contends that USF maintains a longstanding conspiracy with local megadonors, particularly the Jewish Community Centers & Federation, to target pro-Palestinian speech. TBSDS asserts that its members have endured emotional distress, humiliation, and delays in their education as a result of USF’s actions.
In response to allegations from USF claiming that TBSDS incited a riot, the plaintiffs maintain that university conduct proceedings lacked the requisite due process. The lawsuit highlights what TBSDS describes as arbitrary and capricious university policies, supposedly created after pro-Palestinian events, which did not adequately notify students affected by these changes.
TBSDS claims that USF retaliated against them after they submitted a petition concerning budget cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which resulted in multiple conduct charges against them. Furthermore, the group alleges that university police enforced bans on their historical remembrance events related to the Nakba without justifiable grounds.
The complaint also indicates that USF employed intimidation tactics, such as placing surveillance cameras around areas where protests were held. Following a challenge from students regarding a 5 p.m. curfew established by USF, police reportedly deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators, leading to several arrests. The lawsuit asserts that Dean McDonald indicated her approval of the police’s handling of a protest that occurred after the enforcement of the curfew.
USF has publicly stated its commitment to free speech but maintains that it is obliged to follow university policies along with state and federal laws. The university claims that the expulsion of TBSDS members was a consequence of multiple violations of the student code of conduct and expressed a commitment to defending itself against the allegations lodged in the lawsuit.
TBSDS is seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief, aiming to reverse the sanctions imposed on its members and restore the organization’s registration on campus. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday for adjudication.
This lawsuit comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny faced by USF regarding its management of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The university’s response to student advocacy has been under significant examination since these events unfolded.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix: Pro-Palestine Student Protesters Allege Constitutional Violations Against USF
- USF Oracle: USF Student Protesters File Civil Rights Complaint Against University
- Florida Today: Family Calls for Palestinian Palm Bay Teen’s Release from Israeli Prison
- The Guardian: Ron DeSantis and Pro-Palestine College Students
- Google Search: Pro-Palestinian Student Protests USF
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