‘One assignment away from having my full diploma:’ USF student expelled for taking part in protest days before graduation

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Students at campuses across the country responded to the war in Gaza this spring by setting up encampments, including at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Protesters who are facing punishment for what they did during those protests said their rights have been violated.

Victoria Hinckley is still fighting the consequences of her beliefs. She feels punished for protesting back in April for calling on USF to cut ties with Israel.

“I was only one assignment away from having my full diploma,” Hinckley said.

Three days before graduation, Hinckley was expelled from USF.

“It was extremely frightening to see USF call out that much force,” she said.

Hinckley as well as other members of Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society organized a solidarity encampment for Gaza at the end of April.

“We had demands for USF to disclose their investment portfolios and divest in companies that were supporting the genocide in Palestine,” Hinckley said.

During the two-day protest, demonstrators were seen with umbrellas and wood shields. A group formed, standing together in a circle with arms locked as tear gas was deployed. It led to 13 arrests, including five USF students.

Hinckley was not arrested but is accused of breaking university policies and was required to attend a hearing.

“I had a formal hearing where they called witnesses from USF side, and I was able to have my witnesses there as well, and they found me allegedly responsible for six charges, including possession of weapons and firearms, which I did not have,” she said.

Hinckley also said USF suspended another SDS member. He’s an international student now facing deportation because his visa is in jeopardy.

USF sent 8 On Your Side this statement: “The University of South Florida values free speech and protecting the constitutional right for individuals and groups on campus to gather and express themselves. This includes protests and demonstrations that have occurred many times on our campuses without incident. However, those activities must remain peaceful and there are consequences for violating the law or university policies. USF has been clear that violence, threats, harassment and disruptions will not be tolerated.“

Despite the uncertainty of her degree, Hinckley remains optimistic.

“I think it’s only right that they give me my degree and that’s what I’m going to continue to fight for and that’s what Tampa Bay SDS is going to fight for,” Hinckley said.

USF also said: “Due to student privacy laws, the university is unable to provide information about an individual student’s status in the conduct process or their disciplinary record. Any student who is arrested or is accused of violating university policy may be subject to sanctions from the university for violating the USF Student Code of Conduct.”