Seattle, WA – On July 12, a crowd of 30 activists and community members gathered in Denny Park to show solidarity with the Tampa 5 on the date of their second court appearance. This demonstration was one of many actions all over the country showing support for the five campus activists arrested in Tampa. The main demand is that all charges be dropped.
Fight Back! is circulating the following “Solidarity with the Tampa 5” resolution voted up by the union delegates to the West Central Florida Labor Council (WCFLC). President Jim Junecko of the WCFLC, AFL-CIO sent the resolution to Florida State’s Attorney Susan Lopez asking she direct Prosecutor Justin Diaz to drop the charges.Resolution in Solidarity with the Tampa 5
Tampa, FL– On July 12, a crowd of 50 people gathered at the Hillsborough County Courthouse. They were there to demand that DeSantis-appointed Florida State’s Attorney Susan Lopez and Florida State Prosecutor Justin Diaz drop the charges against the Tampa 5 – Chrisley Carpio, Laura Rodriguez, Gia Davila, Lauren Pineiro and Jeanie Kida.
Washington, DC – On July 13, over 30 people gathered at the gates of the White House and joined at least 13 other cities in demanding, “Justice for the Tampa 5!” The Tampa 5 are five women from Tampa, Florida who were brutally arrested while staging a campus protest at the University of South Florida (USF).
Tallahassee, FL – On July 12, 20 students and community members rallied in front of Florida State University’s (FSU) Student Union to demand justice for the Tampa 5. Attendees chanted, “Free the Tampa 5!” “Protesting is not a crime. Drop the charges now!” and “No hate! No fear! Diversity is welcome here!”
Minneapolis, MN – 30 people gathered at Mayday Plaza on July 12 to demand that charges be dropped against the Tampa 5. This was also the day of the Tampa 5’s second court appearance. They chanted, “Justice for the Tampa 5! Down with Desantis! Protesting is not a crime!”
Boyle Heights, CA – On July 12, over 25 people gathered at Mariachi Plaza and joined the emergency and national day of action for the Tampa 5. The Tampa 5 are five women from Tampa who were brutally arrested while staging a peaceful protest at the University of South Florida (USF).
New York, NY – 20 activists held a solidarity rally at City Hall in Manhattan to demand that charges be dropped against the Tampa 5. The Tampa 5 are campus activists arrested for protesting the attacks on education by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The solidarity rally was part of a national day of action on July 12.
Jacksonville, FL – As part of a coordinated effort across the country, the activist community in Jacksonville stood in solidarity with the Tampa 5. On July 11, 65 people gathered in front of the Duval County Courthouse to demand legal charges be dropped against the four members of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and a union worker who were arrested in early March. Laura Rodriguez, Gia Davila, Lauren Pineiro, Jeanie Kida and Chrisley Carpio are facing felony charges.
Fight Back! is circulating the following July 9 statement and call for a solidarity rally by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization in Orlando, Florida.