MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A group of Florida International University students walked out of class Thursday in protest of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent policy moves regarding LGBTQ and diversity issues.
That includes the governor’s recent move to seek information on transgender university students and his crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Florida’s state colleges and universities.
“As a trans person, it’s very scary to live in the state of Florida right now, just because of what is happening right now,” transgender student and walkout participant Tyra Hareland said. “It feels like they’re trying to get rid of us.”
Students marched from FIU’s main campus to the surrounding streets, banging drums and chanting and holding signs along the way.
“We need strength in numbers, but more than anything it’s our fight, of all marginalized communities and we need to come together to show that,” Kaily Lachapelle, president of FIU’s Pride Student Union, said.
Students chanted slogans like “DeSantis go away!” and “We say trans!”
“A lot of students aren’t aware that he’s holding bans or certain thought processes that can be exclusionary for DEI initiatives, that’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. That would hurt our own centers here at FIU,” Mariana Robledo, vice president of FIU’s Pride Student Union, said. “Which includes the Office of Social Justice, the Women’s Center, the Black Student Union and even the Pride Student Union.”
FIU’s walkout coincided with other protests at Florida schools, with similar goals in mind.
“March 7 is the first legislative session; we will be there,” Lachapelle said. “This is just the beginning.”