Florida orders universities dismantle student organizations in favor of ‘Hamas terrorism’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis and State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues have ordered universities to dismantle various student chapters that have been aligned with support for “Hamas terrorism” after deadly attacks on Jews in Israel, according to a letter obtained by Florida’s Voice.

Rodrigues wrote to university presidents that at least two chapters under the body known as as “National Students for Justice in Palestine” must be immediately terminated, because of the national organization saying member students are “PART of this movement” against Israel, referring to Hamas’ attacks.

“It is a felony under Florida law to ‘knowingly provide material support . . . to a designated foreign terrorist organization. . .’ § 775.33(3), Fla. Stat. (2019),” he wrote. “Here, National SJP has affirmatively identified it is part of the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood—a terrorist led attack.”

The chancellor said the decision was made to have the chapters deactivated “in consultation with” DeSantis.

“These two student chapters may form another organization that complies with Florida state statutes and university policies,” he added. “The two institutions should grant these two chapters a waiver for the fall deadlines, should reapplication take place.”

“Promoting excellent educational quality while providing a safe environment for all students is paramount,” Rodrigues said.

He also said that the State University System will continue to work with DeSantis’ administration and university presidents to “crack down” on campus demonstrations in favor of Hamas’ activities that do not have First Amendment protections.

“These measures could include necessary adverse employment actions and suspensions for school officials,” he said.

The letter comes shortly after the system warned against criminal antisemitic activities on campuses.

“Let me be clear, if any of these allegations are true, this is criminal activity. It is a violation of the Florida statutes prohibiting anti-Semitic activities,” Rodrigues said in a previous letter.

“These crimes will not be tolerated. As we have previously discussed, you have been requested to ascertain the facts of what occurred on campus during these demonstrations,” the letter said.

During a recent pro-Hamas group on Florida State University held by Students for a Democratic Society, the group’s president told Florida’s Voice that he believed Hamas’ actions were “justified.”