USA06 April, 20261 min read
DeSantis Signs Law Allowing Florida to Label Groups as Terrorists
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Florida law lets the governor and Cabinet designate groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations. Allows expulsion of state university students who support designated terrorist organizations.
Broad New Powers
DeSantis signed a law empowering Florida to designate domestic or foreign terrorist organizations. The FDLE chief can designate groups if they engage in terroristic activity and pose an ongoing threat, subject to approval by DeSantis and Cabinet. Groups can be dissolved and barred from public funding.
Students found to support designated groups can be expelled from universities. Critics warn the law has vague language that could restrict education and dissent.
Targeting Islamic Groups
DeSantis made clear the law was aimed at Muslim organizations like CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood. He displayed a sign against Sharia Law and said people who hate this country shouldn't be here. CAIR condemned the law as deeply flawed and warned it could attack dissenters.
A federal judge had blocked enforcement of DeSantis' prior executive order on CAIR. The law's voucher ban raised concerns about Islamic schools.
Civil Liberties Concerns
Legal experts warned the law risks chilling free speech and religious liberty. PEN America described the law as having vague language that could restrict education programs.
Sensitive information used in designation decisions may be exempt from public disclosure. Critics noted the contrast between war coverage and the focus on labeling dissenters as terrorists.