By: Jonathan Szydlo/BBC Managing Editor
A week after seven of their colleagues were arrested, members of Occupy FIU delivered a three page letter to University President Mark Rosenberg condemning the arrests that were made on Jan. 12.
According to a copy of the letter obtained by Student Media, Occupy FIU demands for Rosenberg to appear on Jan. 19, at high-noon, for a meeting between the 99% and the 1% to address the student body at the Graham Center Lawn to condemn the recent arrests and the grievances listed by the occupiers.
“Our freedom of speech granted as a Constitutional right was disrespected by the actions the police took following your administration’s orders,” stated the letter. “We believe that FIU should set an example as a university that respects our Constitutional right and not suppress to designated ‘Free Speech Zones’ when we want to express ourselves but instead advocate for a university where its students, faculty and staff can openly express themselves without fearing severe repercussions.”
Of the seven Occupy FIU members arrested two are University students, Carlos Ortiz and Derrick Mustelier; one alum, Alex Rosales; and four non-FIU students, Alfredo Quintana, Philip Picaza, Jonathan Brand and Raul Serrano.
All seven were charged with unlawful assembly and released from Miami-Dade County Jail the next day.
William Sanchez, junior political science major, is weary of what Rosenberg’s reaction may be.
“It’s going to take forever, hopefully we can get a physical response out of this,” said Sanchez.
UPDATE (5:07 p.m.): A response from the president’s office was sent to the University community through email the same night.
“One of the most fundamental characteristics of the academy is the free and open expression and discussion of all points of view and FIU has a rich history of allowing and supporting individuals and groups to express their beliefs and opinions without hindrance,” said Rosenberg in his letter.
“As a university dedicated to education and free speech, we have established guidelines that allow both of these essential activities to occur simultaneously. Individuals and groups wishing to demonstrate on our campuses may do so in areas designated for this purpose and must follow university guidelines, including prior approval, when required.”
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