In brief
The University of Florida has deactivated its College Republicans chapter following reports of antisemitic actions by some members. This decision follows similar actions at Florida International University, where a conservative group's communication was found to contain racist and antisemitic remarks. The Florida Federation of College Republicans has disbanded the Gainesville group, but the university is prepared to support the reformation of a new chapter under different leadership in the future.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The University of Florida has announced the deactivation of its campus College Republicans group after being informed of antisemitic actions by some of its members. This decision comes as a significant move amid ongoing scrutiny of student organizations at public universities in Florida concerning allegations of racism and antisemitism.Earlier this month, Florida International University took steps to investigate a group chat initiated by an official with the Miami-Dade chapter of the Republican Party. This chat included violent racist slurs and antisemitic comments, involving students and prominent conservative figures at the university.In a statement, University of Florida officials noted that the Florida Federation of College Republicans decided to disband the chapter at Gainesville due to a pattern of conduct that breached its ethical standards, which included a recent antisemitic gesture.The university has stated that it will assist in reactivating the campus chapter under new leadership once the Florida Federation of College Republicans is ready to proceed.
