Thread by @swalker_7

Hi,

I’m on the campus of New College of Florida this morning for Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ likely signing of HB 999/SB 266.

Follow along for coverage for @HeraldTribune:

as much as that looked like the venue, i was just directed inside and saw this!

just out front of the building is a line about 25 or so deep with local republican supporters, which included school board regulars and other DeSantis supporters

The event is scheduled for 10:45 am, and the release was sent this morning at about 8:00 am.

out front, a small coalition of students came on very short notice, with more coming every minute

Lyle, 20, said he got a text and rolled right out of bed to come. Libby Harrity, 19, said the bill was “disgusting”. They’ve been at many other student protests against DeSantis’ moves at New College.

Jackson, 20, said he had an exam scheduled for 12:30 at College Hall, where the event is happening. He said his professor was not notified this was happening, and that his exam may have to be moved.

“They've been doing this for decades, and it's these like constant surprise attacks on people who are 20-year-old students who just want to have like a normal education and life,” said Alex Abraud, a 21 year old anthropology student.

room starting to fill up

expecting the governor any minute now. the rumor was about 15 minutes ago he landed at the airport across the street

was just handed this!

DeSantis has arrived

DeSantis in rankings. Hard to pickup on the video, but you can faintly hear student chants from outside.

DeSantis on tenured faculty

DeSantis on the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion at Florida colleges

DeSantis on majors such as Gender Studies. Said the degree struggles to get jobs. “Go to Berkeley”

DeSantis said he’s excited for college presidents to be able to directly recruit faculty

DeSantis on turning New College into a premier “classical college”

A crowd of vocal opponents out back

DeSantis said that Florida is “welcoming of opposing viewpoints” and said that students should be as well.

DeSantis in trade schools, said it beats a degree in “zombie studies”

DeSantis said that he was “disappointed” in the protesters outside. Said he had hoped for more.

Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, speaking now on diversity, equity and inclusion.

New College Interim President Richard Corcoran jokes about the student protesters outside and turning the air off in dorms

Corcoran on incoming “record enrollment” and a new core curriculum at New College.

Trustee Christopher Rufo calls the protests outside “elementary level”

Rufo on what he learned about DEI at Florida universities through public records requests

Rufo’s closing remarks

from someone who says they’re outside

https://twitter.com/chr1sruf0shair/status/1658132442371194882

This speaker just led the audience in a chant of “Todo lo puedo en cristo, I can do all things through christ”

FL Sen. Kieth Perry speaking on passing policy.

Next speaker said the protests outside are what “woke sounds like when it dies”

Worth noting that each speaker has referred to DeSantis as “America’s governor” which could be a point of emphasis for his inevitable presidential run.

DeSantis signing the bills now

DeSantis tossing pens into the audience

DeSantis on the newly enacted immigration laws causing labor shortages in some areas in Florida

DeSantis just left, stay tuned for our story for @HeraldTribune, which will be up momentarily.

.@realchrisrufo blowing kisses to a crowd of protesters as they chant “fuck you fascist”

Link to our story! Adding updates as they come, but it’s close to complete. heraldtribune.com/story/news/pol…