Graduation ceremonies underway in North Central Florida

YOUR LOCAL STATION, Fla. (WCJB) -Graduation ceremonies are happening across north central Florida.

At Santa Fe College, a ceremony is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. for students graduating with bachelor’s, AS, or AAS degrees, as well as certificates. The ceremony for AA degrees starts at 7.

Florida Gateway College has two ceremonies today. The first started at 10, and the next was at 130.

Despite the recent arrests of six University of Florida students earlier this week, a university-wide commencement takes place today. This was due to a pro-Palestinian protest. UF officials sent a statement saying:

“With more than 50,000 attendees expected over the course of this weekend, the University of Florida is looking forward to celebrating our graduates. Since day one, we have patiently told protesters two things: first, we will defend their right to free speech. Second, if they break the clearly stated time, place, and manner rules — including the university’s prohibition on indoor protests — they will be issued a trespass warning and interim suspended. UF commencement staff and UFPD have gone to great lengths to ensure attendees know the rules, so that we can safely celebrate our graduates. Should there be any attempt to cause a disruption, UFPD will address it accordingly.”

UF’s ceremony runs from 7 to 9 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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