TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a measure that empowers him and other Florida leaders to label groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations, a move critics say could infringe on free speech rights. The law permits a Florida Department of Law Enforcement official to designate organizations as terrorist entities, requiring approval from the governor and three other elected cabinet members. Once designated, these groups face dissolution and lose state funding, while expulsion of supportive university students becomes possible. Such students on visas would also be reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
DeSantis defended the law saying, So this will help the state of Florida protect you. It’ll help us protect your tax dollars. He stated it is necessary to prevent actions that should not take place in America, particularly in Florida.
This legislation has sparked concerns among advocacy groups like PEN America, highlighting its vague language that could limit educational initiatives seen as promoting terrorism or stifle student protests against state officials. William Johnson, the organization's Florida director, warned that the implications of this law could chill educational practices across various levels.
Previously, DeSantis identified the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, with a federal judge later blocking this executive order. The law raises questions about its impact on academic freedom and freedom of expression in an educational context.
DeSantis defended the law saying, So this will help the state of Florida protect you. It’ll help us protect your tax dollars. He stated it is necessary to prevent actions that should not take place in America, particularly in Florida.
This legislation has sparked concerns among advocacy groups like PEN America, highlighting its vague language that could limit educational initiatives seen as promoting terrorism or stifle student protests against state officials. William Johnson, the organization's Florida director, warned that the implications of this law could chill educational practices across various levels.
Previously, DeSantis identified the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, with a federal judge later blocking this executive order. The law raises questions about its impact on academic freedom and freedom of expression in an educational context.
