TAMPA — Universities in the Bay area have increased security for upcoming graduations following recent protests.

On Friday, the USF Divest Coalition hosted a Know Your Rights seminar and a community prayer on campus.

Organizers wanted to host the weekly prayer during conduct hearings for student protesters who were arrested on Tuesday.

The seminar was aimed at educating protesters about their rights. The group expressed its disagreement with the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by USF police on protesters during Tuesday’s incident.

The USF administration shared this message Tuesday, saying in part, “Police and university staff also observed protesters bringing in wooden shields, umbrellas, and tents. The protesters then locked arms, raised the shields and umbrellas, and communicated their intent to refuse to leave. USF Police determined that these actions were a dangerous escalation and that the protest was no longer peaceful.”

Following her conduct hearing on Friday, Victoria Hinckley told Spectrum Bay News 9 that she had been trespassed from the University of South Florida.

“They don't have much evidence to support the alleged charges against me. They're trying to keep me from graduating Sunday and are very clearly targeting me for being a student organizer," Hinckley said.

Hinckley faces several charges, including disruptive conduct and failure to comply, stemming from her participation in Tuesday's protests, which has resulted in her being unable to graduate on Sunday.

Some have raised concerns about campus safety and the rise in antisemitism. However, Muslim Legal attorney and founder Hasan Shibly clarified the protests are not a Muslim versus Jewish issue.

“All over the nation, a lot of these protests are led by Jews, who do not want innocent Palestinian children to be unjustly killed in their name, condemning the horrific, and unjust crimes Israel is committing ... We stand united with Jews, Muslims, Christians, atheist, people of all walks of life, all cultures, all religion, saying the killing of children is a red line,” said Shibly.

The executive director of Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, Sylvie Feinsmith, stated that Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe on campus.

“The right to freedom of speech equals every student’s right to be on this campus in a safe environment, feeling safe. Jewish students should not have to check part of their identity at the door to feel safe on campus. They shouldn’t have to hide who they are. That’s the reality we’re in right now,” she said.

Feinsmith mentioned that some students have withdrawn their applications for grad school, while some have decided to transfer due to the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests and similar events. The organization has been on high alert for these students and is taking necessary measures to ensure their safety, including round-the-clock surveillance of their campus building.