In a move aimed at supporting Jewish students facing antisemitic persecution around the country, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the State University System of Florida and the Florida College System to waive certain transfer application requirements.
“As threats of violence continued here at home, we stood up to protect our Jewish Day Schools, synagogues and Jewish students on university campuses. But we realize that many universities outside of Florida have failed. This week, Jewish students across the country are returning to campuses that have condoned antisemitism. Over the coming months, they will have a tough decision to make – pack up and leave or stay and endure continued hatred – and if they do decide to come to Florida, we will welcome them with open arms,” said DeSantis.
“This includes waiving minimum credit hour requirements for transfers, waiving application deadlines for transfers, and encouraging universities and colleges to use their existing statutory authority to provide in-state tuition for students with a financial hardship. The pro-Hamas activities and rampant antisemitism on college campuses exposed the intellectual rot that has developed on so many college campuses. In Florida, our universities must be dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the promotion of academic rigor and integrity, and the preparation of students to be citizens of our republic,” said DeSantis.
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To facilitate the transfer process for academically eligible first- and second-year postsecondary students, Governor DeSantis collaborated with State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. The collaboration resulted in the waiver of credit hour requirements that would typically pose a hurdle for transfer applicants.
In addition to waiving credit hour requirements, DeSantis’s directive also addresses the burden of application date windows for transfer students. Typically, these windows restrict the timeframe within which students can submit their transfer applications.
However, recognizing the unique circumstances faced by Jewish students seeking to escape discrimination, the Governor has waived these application date windows.
DeSantis has also urged colleges and universities to exercise their existing statutory authority to grant out-of-state tuition waivers on a case-by-case basis. This consideration is particularly relevant for students facing financial hardships when transferring from another state to a Florida postsecondary institution.
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“With leaders of so-called elite universities enabling antisemitic activities, rather than protecting their students from threats and harassment, it is understandable that many Jewish students are looking for alternatives and looking to Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
“Throughout my tenure as Governor, we have implemented measures to safeguard our Jewish communities from hatred in the K–20 school system, and with this announcement, we want to again make it clear that Jewish students are welcome to live and learn in Florida where they will be respected and not persecuted due to their faith,” said DeSantis.
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