Pro-Palestine Student Group
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s ban on pro-Palestinian university groups, specifically targeting the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
The lawsuit argues that the state’s directive, endorsed by Governor Ron DeSantis, infringes on students’ free speech rights. The state’s order mandated the closure of SJP chapters at Florida universities, accusing the group of supporting terrorism.
The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction against the state order, which blocks SJP from receiving school funds and using campus facilities. At least two Florida universities, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, have active SJP chapters.
The legal action underscores the ongoing tensions on U.S. campuses regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, with students divided over issues related to the conflict and accusations of inadequate responses by universities.
Bans across universities
Florida universities, including the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, have banned Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group at the center of campus activism amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The ban was ordered by Florida’s university system and Governor Ron DeSantis, sparking a federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The lawsuit seeks to overturn the ban, arguing that it infringes on students’ free speech rights.
The ACLU asserts that the ban is unjust, and it seeks a preliminary injunction to allow SJP to receive school funds and use campus facilities. The ban follows similar actions at Brandeis University, Columbia University, and George Washington University.
The ACLU argues that students are victims of “guilt by association” and that SJP chapters are autonomous from the national organization. The conflict in Gaza has intensified debates on US campuses, with students expressing differing perspectives on the matter. Overall, ACLU challenges Florida’s ban on pro-Palestine student group, citing violations of free speech amid tensions over Gaza conflict.
