Joe Gandelman has a collection of YouTube videos commenting on the incident at University of Florida in which someone variously described as a “protester” and “student” was subdued by campus police, apparently using a taser.
Why isn’t more attention being paid to the university’s role in this incident? Was there a proactive policy in place? Had I been in a position of reponsibility at a university I would ensure that there was an explicit policy governing conduct at speeches of this sort and that the policy would be re-stated before every speech both for the benefit of attendees as well as campus security. Questioners should not be allowed to dominate the microphone the way this young man did and my preferred policy would be a time limit for each questioner the penalties for which known to all would be first, being cut off, and then, being ejected. Freedom of speech does not extend to denying others the floor.
Campus security very much looks to be at fault here as well. To my eye there doesn’t appear to have been a threat to the campus security officers that would warrant their reaction. Had they had prior experience with this particular person?
Again, some blame must be laid at the feet of university administration. Structure, whether for speeches and meetings or the conduct of campus security officers, is their responsibility. Can anyone comment on how or whether state law in Florida limits the administration’s actions?
According to this story it appears that the University Police followed procedure properly in this case.
I also find it interesting that the student protestors at UF (my alma mater, BTW) have gone directly to calling the police fascists and pigs. I also saw this USA Today headline this morning: Universities rethink unarmed police: Gun-free security losing favor after Va. Tech shootings. People reacting with no sense to these incidents are going to make for worse trouble in the future.
All the more reason that more attention should be fixed on university administration.
Forget Florida law. Forget the police.
Let a Florida Momma at ‘im.
That boy needs a good old-fashioned heinie whuppin’ with a switch from the plum tree in the front yard.
He’ll show some respect then.
If that don’t work, I’ve got enough yard work to keep him busy for two weeks, and I’ve got the energy to stay on his buttocks to make sure he gets it done properly — with only the minimal, appropriate breaks for water and Spam sandwiches (and peepees and poopees).
Around here you’re supposed to respect your elders. It don’t matter what your political affiliation is. Are. Be. Was. Whatever.
Heinie whuppin!!
BFF,
Miss T
P.S. — Tongues in cheeks, Bud Light in hand
He was only a college student. He could have easily been subdued by force, and without being tased.