They stood in the center of Turlington Plaza Wednesday afternoon, donning caps, gowns and the gleaming faces of soon-to-be graduates.
The mock graduation ceremony began, and just as the valedictorian reached for her diploma, the shouting began.
"Immigration enforcement. You are under arrest," said Lance Griffin, a theater senior. "You have no rights as a noncitizen except to be detained and deported."
Although Griffin, who directed the skit portion of the demonstration, was acting, the message was real.
This demonstration was one of about 128 events held across the country in support of the National Back to School DREAM Act Day of Action.
Coordinated by the Coalition of Hispanics Integrating Spanish Speakers through Advocacy and Service, the event encouraged the passing of the DREAM Act, a piece of legislation that supports undocumented immigrant youth who seek higher education in the U.S.
"Let's educate our youth of tomorrow," said Victoria Mena, a campus organizer at the demonstration. "Tell Bernie Machen we want him to support education."
And that's just what they did.
The demonstration broke out into a march to Tigert Hall, the administration building. Machen came outside onto the steps of the building, voicing his support for the cause.
"I support the DREAM Act, and I'm proud to be with you all on this," Machen said to the crowd.
Machen, who left a room full of people to speak to the demonstrators, said he has been involved with the issue for about eight to 10 years.
"It's a great cause, and it's a great proposal," Machen said. "It's time for action."
More than 300 people signed the petition passed around in support of the legislation, including Machen.
CHISPAS will send the petition to the Florida Immigration Coalition and Students Working for Equal Rights.
"The DREAM Act touches us all, whether through friends, relatives, friends of relatives," Griffin said. "We have to build a community that celebrates talent."
Mario Del Rio, an international business senior, was one of those who marched to Machen's office chanting, "Dreams are free, equality."
Del Rio hadn't planned on marching, but he saw the demonstration forming when he got out of class.
"I think it's a great idea," Del Rio said. "Everybody deserves the chance to go to college."
Eliana Torres, president of CHISPAS, said the organization has been working toward the passing of the DREAM Act since last semester.
The event was a sequel to a demonstration they held last year in support of the legislation.
"It's equality. It's social justice," Torres said. "They're students just like us."
