One year ago today, then-UF telecommunication senior and former Alligator columnist Andrew Meyer was shot with a Taser gun after questioning former presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry at an on-campus town hall forum.
According to Alligator archives, Meyer asked about Kerry's involvement with Skull and Bones, a secret society at Yale University, at the end of a question-and-answer session.
When his microphone was cut off, Meyer began to scream in protest. Members of Accent, Student Government's speakers bureau, cut off the microphone because Meyer used profanity, said Steven Blank, then-Accent chairman. Accent had sponsored the forum at the University Auditorium.
Several University Police officers attempted to remove Meyer from the microphone when he began "acting in a violent manner" and "pushing the officers," according to a UPD report.
Police said Meyer was told to comply with the officers, but he continued to resist.
"Don't Tase me, bro!" Meyer screamed as officers attempted to drag him outside the University Auditorium. "I didn't do anything."
Meyer was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for resisting arrest and a second-degree misdemeanor for disturbing the peace.
Following his arrest, Meyer's case was sent to the State Attorney's office, where it was decided that he would defer prosecution and accept an 18-month probation term.
An October police report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement revealed that the University Police Department was well within the guidelines for its use of force.
Robert Griscti, Meyer's attorney, said he read articles from all over the world that reference this incident not just all over the nation, but also in countries such as Great Britain and Tibet.
"I don't think anyone, including the national press, foresaw how enormous the storyline would be," Griscti said.
He said Meyer, who graduated in spring, did what was asked of him because he wanted to accept responsibility for the situation.
"Andrew Meyer crossed every 't' and dotted every 'i,' but he was not given the credit he deserves." Griscti said.
Meyer sent an apology letter in late October for his actions at the forum, saying he did not follow the rules and "stepped out of line."
"I never wished to cast a negative light upon our fair University," Meyer wrote.
Steve Orlando, UF spokesman, said soon after the incident, the university received many calls and complaints from all over the world.
The Committee on a Civil, Safe and Open Environment was formed after the incident in order for students and faculty to voice their opinions on UF's, Orlando said.
The committee, which met biweekly for six months following the arrest, released its final report to UF President Bernie Machen in April.
UF's Board of Trustees amended and passed a new policy earlier this month regarding UF's policy on disruption of university activity, which includes freedom of speech as long as the language used is not obscene.
However, students mostly dismissed the actions taken by UF after the incident, Orlando said.
"Once the excitement was over, people lost interest," he said. "But the fact is, that's when people should have participated."
Although Accent has not changed much since the incident, Chairman Andrew Guglielmo said the organization is simply being more cautious during events.
Guglielmo said before the speeches, the group reminds audiences to treat speakers, as well as other audience members, with respect.
Despite all that happened, Guglielmo has only kind words for Meyer.
"I have no idea where Andrew Meyer is, and I wish him the best in what he's trying to do," he said.
