Careers and Peaceful Protest Participation

The University of Florida Career Connection Center (C3) is a strong advocate for justice and equity for all in employment and higher education, and unequivocally supports the rights of our students and alums to protest and demonstrate peacefully. During this time, the C3 has received a number of questions about how participating in protests, including potential arrests during peaceful protests, may affect future employment opportunities and admission to graduate or professional schools.

Generally, applications for employment and graduate or professional schools are reviewed holistically and a specific situation should be evaluated in context. For example, if an applicant is arrested during a peaceful protest and that arrest becomes part of the applicant’s record, there should be ample space in the application or during the interview to provide an explanation. While employment and admission decisions are within the purview of that entity, please note the following statements released by several professional associations supporting the rights of candidates to pursue positive change for all people. These statements may have an impact on the way these situations are viewed in an application process. Meet with a career coach at the Career Connections Center to help you navigate any specific questions.

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology: June 6, 2020 Statement

American Bar Association: May 29, 2020 Statement

American Institute of Certified Planners via American Planning Association May 31, 2020 Statement

Association of American Medical Colleges: June 1, 2020 Statement

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards June 8, 2020 Statement

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: June 4, 2020 Statement

Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations via American Dental Association June 3, 2020 Statement

National Association of Colleges & Employers: June 5, 2020 Statement

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy June 3, 2020 Statement

National Association of State Boards of Education June 1, 202 Statement

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture June 15, 2020 Statement

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Certification June 3, 2020 Statement

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards: June 4, 2020 Statement

National Council of State Boards of Nursing June 8, 2020 Statement

National Recreation and Park Association May 29, 2020 Statement

National Registry of Certified Microbiologists June 1, 2020 Statement

Pharmacy Organizations Unite in Stand Against Racial Injustice June 2020 Statement

Public Health Accreditation Board June 3 ,2020 Statement

Society of American Foresters State Licensure June 11, 2020 Statement