TAMPA, Fla. — In a move that raises eyebrows among free speech advocates, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law on Monday that allows state leaders to designate groups as domestic or foreign terrorist entities, leading to possible expulsion of students from state universities who support such groups.
The law enables the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to make designations, which must be approved by the governor and members of his cabinet. Once labeled terrorist organizations, groups will be barred from receiving state funding.
Critics argue this law could hinder educational programs and silence dissent. PEN America voiced concerns about the vague language of the law, suggesting it could result in a chilling effect on educational institutions.
“This will help the state of Florida protect you. It’ll help us protect your tax dollars,” DeSantis said during a news conference in Tampa. “It’ll help us protect things that should not be happening in the United States of America, but certainly shouldn’t be happening in the free state of Florida.”
Despite the intent behind the legislation, the implications of such authority are vast, with concerns that it may target student protesters who speak out against state officials.
