UCF students rally for professor in police discrimination case

A rally on the UCF campus Friday in support of a professor who claims she was the victim of police discrimination. 

Students read poetry and spoke about a recent incident involving UCF professor Jennifer Vest, who's filed a formal complaint against four white UCF police officers who she claims unfairly targeted her when they pulled her over last month for a broken tail light.

Professor Vest, who's of mixed race and a long time gay activist, claimed the white officers threatened her, using names like "crackhead" and "liar", and kept her from taking her prescription medication.

Friday, those behind the rally called for disciplinary action and diversity training for those officers. They're also calling for a public apology.

"The recent conduct by these UCF officers toward the esteemed professor have demonstrated that neither safety nor respect are a priority on this campus," said student Carly McFadden.

In the police report the officers described Dr. Vest as confrontational and uncooperative.

The group presented a letter to the UCF administration.

President John Hitt has called for a full investigation which is being conducted by Orlando Police.