Swastika is symbol of Holocaust and hate, but man protected by First Amendment


January 24, 2017

An individual was observed on the University of Florida campus today wearing an armband with a swastika.   This type of personal political expression is protected by the First Amendment.  However, it is critical to recognize that swastikas are symbols associated with the Holocaust which exterminated six million Jews as well as multitudes of individuals from other persecuted groups on the basis of their race or religion.  The University of Florida encourages inclusion and respect, not hate.