UFL Deactivates College Republicans Over Antisemitism Allegations

The University of Florida has temporarily suspended its College Republicans chapter following allegations of antisemitic behavior by members. The decision came after the Florida Federation of College Republicans conducted an investigation and identified a "pattern of conduct that violated its rules and values," including a recent antisemitic gesture by a member.

The university announced on Saturday it would assist in reactivating the chapter under new leadership once reforms are complete. This action aligns with the school's commitment to preventing and addressing discrimination, as stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

This incident marks the second report this month of antisemitic behavior by conservative groups at Florida universities. Earlier this month, Florida International University launched an investigation into a group chat involving local Republican Party officials and student leaders that contained racist, antisemitic, and homophobic messages.

The deactivation has sparked mixed reactions among conservatives in Florida. Some, like Sen. Rick Scott, praised the university's action, while others, including GOP Lake County commissioner Anthony Sabatini, threatened legal action, calling the move "completely illegal" and a violation of free speech. The University of Florida College Republicans group claimed they operate under the College Republicans of America, not the FFCR, which originally reported the misconduct.

The deactivation effort at the University of Florida campus marks the second time this month that a public university in Florida has taken action against a Republican group accused of being involved in racist or antisemitic behavior. In the fall, New York’s Republican State Committee suspended a Young Republican organization after the release of a group chat that included jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers.

In response to the deactivation, the University of Florida College Republicans filed a lawsuit Monday in federal court against interim president Donald Landry. The lawsuit alleges that the university's decision was based solely on alleged antisemitic viewpoints expressed by a member and did not follow proper procedures for notice or explanation. The group is seeking an injunction to stop the enforcement of the school’s decision and to restore access to facilities on the Gainesville campus.