(TAMPA, FL, 8/8/2024) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest civil rights and advocacy organization today condemned Florida University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues’ order to flag courses with keywords Israel, Israeli, Palestine, Palestinian, Middle East, Zionism, Zionist, Judaism, Jewish, or Jews.
In a statement CAIR-Florida Executive Director, Imam Abdullah Jaber stated:
“The latest action by chancellor Rodrigues is a continuation of Florida’s well-documented intellectual reign of terror. CAIR challenged the State University System when it called for the termination of groups like Student for Justice in Palestine. It is logical to assume that any courses that are ‘flagged for review’ will be scrubbed of any criticism of the genocidal Israeli government and especially its military.”
Imam Jaber added: “We urge Florida families to stand up for our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and for academic freedom in our public university system; and write to Chancellor Rodrigues.”
CALL TO ACTION: Action Alert: Stop Censorship in Education! Urge Chancellor Rodrigues to Withdraw Harmful Directive for State University Curriculums
In the previous months Chancellor Ray Rodrigues unsuccessfully tried to deactivate Palestinian student groups from the Florida University System. He and Governor DeSantis faced a CAIR-Florida lawsuit where the State represented to the Court that the student groups were never officially deactivated.
SEE: Report of a Special Committee: Political Interference and Academic Freedom in Florida’s Public Higher Education System Report of a Special Committee: Political Interference and Academic Freedom in Florida’s Public Higher Education System https://www.aaup.org/report/report-special-committee-political-interference-and-academic-freedom-florida%E2%80%99s-public-higher | AAUP | Full Report: https://www.aaup.org/file/AAUP_Florida_final.pdf
About CAIR-Florida:
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media and Outreach Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749, E: [email protected]
