Gov. Scott Plans "Day Of Unity" As Student Protest Continues
TALLASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) -- The students occupying Gov. Rick Scott's office waiting area were back to their routine Friday, telling personal stories of experiencing racism, despite Scott refusing their demands Thursday night for a special session about the "stand your ground law."
Since Tuesday, they've been sitting in the governor's office by day and sleeping in the Capitol by night, spurred by the acquittal Saturday of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of unarmed Miami teen Trayvon Martin.
Scott, who backs the "stand your ground" law, called Friday for a "Statewide Day of Prayer for Unity" in Florida on Sunday, July 21.
The proclamation said, in part, "the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is a tragedy; and the Martin family, the family of George Zimmerman, and all those affected by Trayvon's death remain in our thoughts and prayers." It also said "emotions are running high as we continue to grieve the loss of Trayvon and the toll that the tragic events surrounding his death have taken on the community of Sanford, Florida, and other communities across our state."
But the students continued their sit-in, saying they're holding out for Scott to convene a special session.
"People who tell us to lobby the legislature to convene a special session instead of Rick Scott must have missed out on legislative session this year." Ciara Taylor, a member of the Dream Defenders, a group leading the protest, posted Thursday night on Facebook.
"The News Service of Florida contributed to this report."
