USF Prez Disses Chertoff's DHS

University of South Florida president Judy Genshaft on the arrrests of the two USF students in Goose Creek ... almost as rough as Michelle on Chertoff and DHS re Goose Creek today.

"Big universities have big challenges," she said. "But listen, the (students) were allowed in by Homeland Security. What are you going to do?"

On the USF campus, such courthouse matters seemed a world away for students lost in the excitement of a new school year. Multicultural groups performed choreographed dances outside the Marshall Center to recruitmembers. Students talked to colleagues about new classes and new friends. Professors prepared new lectures.

Some students didn't even know about the explosives case.

"On campus there has been no discussion, and I have heard no reaction from faculty members," said Jamil Jreisat, a public administration and political science professor.

Students said they felt comfortable, safe and grateful to be on a diverse campus.

"I feel at home," said Fufu Rum, 19, a sophomore originally from Palestine. "I love this place."

Both Genshaft and Wilcox said they value the 1,434 international students on campus and strive to make all students feel welcome.

"I feel comfortable," said Huda Biuk, 16, a freshman communications major whose family is from Libya. "Everyone seems pretty normal."