UF responds to Andrew Meyer apologies

October 30, 2007

The University of Florida recognizes Andrew Meyer for taking responsibility for his behavior which disrupted the Sept. 17 town hall forum for Sen. John Kerry.

Andrew has told university officials he has learned from this experience and is sorry. He has provided the university with written apologies to the University Police Department, President Bernie Machen and the Gator community.

The apologies reflect a lot of thought and ownership of responsibility by Andrew for his conduct. To review Andrew Meyer’s apologies, go to www.meyercase.com.

Andrew has also accepted sanctions from the university for Student Code of Conduct violations. For student privacy reasons, the university cannot discuss them publicly.

Students make mistakes. What is most important are the lessons learned by all of us and making things right. Andrew has told us he is taking a leave of absence for the rest of the semester. Based on the sincerity of his apologies and his ownership of his actions, we look forward to his return to campus and wish him all the best.

The University of Florida Police Department last week reinstated two police officers, who had been on paid administrative leave, after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement report determined their actions fell well within state standards.

While this incident never should have occurred, the university is engaged in a conversation regarding events policies and the use of Tasers on campus. Students, faculty, campus police, staff and the entire academic community are participating in this discussion.

The university is continuing its work to develop best practices for fostering an open environment that is safe and secure. The Ad Hoc Committee on a Civil, Safe and Open Environment is expected to have an initial report ready for President Bernie Machen by the end of the year.

Patricia Telles-Irvin
Vice President,
Student Affairs