Florida orders state universities to disband pro-Palestinian student group, saying it backs Hamas

A: Florida is ordering state universities to disband a pro-Palestinian student group called Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) because the state believes the group is illegally backing Hamas militants who attacked Israel earlier this month. The state university system Chancellor, Ray Rodrigues, stated that providing support to a designated foreign terrorist organization like Hamas is a felony under Florida law.

A: Hamas has been designated as a terrorist group not only by the U.S. State Department but also by the European Union and other Western countries. This designation implies that governments consider Hamas to be involved in acts of terrorism, which can have legal and political implications.

A: Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for president, has played a significant role in this decision. He has taken a pro-Israel stance following the Hamas attacks in southern Israel and has sent aid to Israel in response to the conflict. He has also supported a special legislative session to impose new sanctions on Iran, which supports Hamas.

A: Critics, including the group Palestine Legal, argue that this move to ban SJP is part of a broader effort by Governor DeSantis to suppress freedom of speech on campuses. Florida has taken actions limiting discussions on race in schools and restricting spending on diversity and inclusion programs at state universities, which some perceive as limiting free speech.

A: SJP has played a central role in a campus movement known as BDS, which stands for boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. The group has been active on U.S. campuses for decades, advocating for the rights of Palestinians and protesting against Israel.

A: The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech group, has called Florida’s directive unconstitutional and dangerous. They argue that the government does not have the legal authority to force colleges to ban SJP chapters and that it could set a precedent for suppressing political beliefs.

A: Rep. Randy Fine, a Jewish Republican in the state Legislature, switched his endorsement in the presidential election from DeSantis to former President Donald Trump. Fine had called on the administration to take action against SJP, but the governor’s office states that the ban was already in the works for more than a week and was not influenced by Fine’s endorsement switch.