State drops charges against New College of Florida student accused of spitting on trustee

The State Attorney's office dropped misdemeanor battery charges against a New College of Florida student who was accused of spitting on Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist and one of the school's trustees.

Libby Harrity, 20, was charged with misdemeanor battery on July 7 in connection with a Gov. Ron DeSantis bill signing at New College on May 15, when Harrity allegedly spat at Rufo. DeSantis’ visit to sign a bill banning state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at state universities 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.

According to court documents shared with the Herald-Tribune, the state filed to drop charges on Thursday.

"Today is a good day, and I am confident that Libby has a bright future," Harrity's lawyer Matt Sandburg wrote in a statement.

Rufo, a conservative activist vocally critical of diversity policies and critical race theory, was appointed as one of the college's new trustees in January tasked with transforming the public liberal arts program into a more conservative institution. At the May 15 protest at New College, Rufo engaged with protesters to blow them kisses. The crowd then followed Rufo as police escorted him to his car.

Brian Chambers, the county and juvenile division chief for the state attorney's office, said Rufo requested the state drop the charges since he said Harrity wouldn't be attending or returning to New College.

"I believe that everyone has a right to express dissent and engage in peaceful protest. But as a society, we must draw a line at politically motivated violence, which has no place in our public universities," Rufo said after Harrity was charged.

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: Student accused of spitting on Christopher Rufo has charges dropped