New College of Florida student pleads not guilty to battery charge against trustee Rufo
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A New College of Florida student who was charged with misdemeanor battery by the state for an alleged spitting incident involving conservative activist and college Trustee Christopher Rufo has pleaded not guilty, according to court documents.
Catherine "Libby" Harrity, a 20-year-old New College student, was named in a charging document from the state accusing them of first-degree battery against Rufo for allegedly spitting at him after a May 15 state bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis on New College’s campus. DeSantis’ visit drew vocal protest from students, who have organized against his reshaping of the college since January. The governor has said he wants to turn New College into a “classical liberal” college akin to the Christian, conservative Hillsdale College in Michigan.
Harrity had been scheduled to appear in court on July 27, but waived an appearance. Harrity's attorney will appear on their behalf.
Documents filed also requested the start of the discovery process in the case.
Rufo, a conservative activist vocally critical of diversity policies and critical race theory, approached a crowd of protesters following DeSantis' signing of legislation banning state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Florida's public universities. He pressed charges against Harrity after they allegedly broke the police line and spat at an "unknown location" near Rufo, according to the police narrative filed in court.
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In Florida, misdemeanor battery can carry a maximum sentence of a $1,000 fine and one year in jail. Battery is defined in Florida statute as when someone "actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other," or "intentionally causes bodily harm to another person."
Rufo was not immediately available for comment prior to publication.
Harrity’s attorney Matt Sandburg declined to comment, citing the circumstances of the case still pending.
Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College of Florida student pleads not guilty in battery case
