Dream Defenders occupying DeSantis' office, say they won't leave until they meet with him
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TALLAHASSEE — Protesters from the human rights group Dream Defenders are staging a sit-in inside Gov. Ron DeSantis office, in protest of his policies which they say target Florida's most vulnerable and historically marginalized communities and "attack who they are, who they love and how and what they learn."
As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, dozens were sitting in front of his Capitol reception desk and spread across the hallway outside, chanting, singing and giving fiery speeches in opposition to the governor.
Akin Olla, press secretary for the organization, said they have lawyers on stand-by in case arrests are made. But their goal is to get a meeting with the governor, and Olla said they won't leave until they do.
"And we are not only asking DeSantis for a meeting, we're also trying to create a sense of urgency for other people in the country, because he's not the only governor, this is not the only Legislature, that's passing what could be considered extremist policies," Olla said. "There needs to be a national movement to combat people like him, so we're hoping to spark that."
It's nearly the 10-year anniversary of the Dream Defenders occupying the area outside then-Gov. Rick Scott's office for nearly a month, demanding policy changes following the killing of Trayvon Martin.
Ten years later: Dream Defenders return to Tallahassee, Florida Capitol decade after Stand Your Ground sit-in
Remember when? Remembering Harry Belafonte's Tallahassee moment during 2013 Dream Defenders sit-in
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
USA Today Network-Florida government accountability reporter Douglas Soule is based in Tallahassee, Fla. He can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com. Twitter: @DouglasSoule
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Dream Defenders protest, stage sit-in at DeSantis' office
