Tom Leek bill targets ‘academic boycott’ of Israel

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 3/8/24-Rep. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, during Session, Friday at the Capitol in Tallahassee. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

An Ormond Beach Republican wants to expand a state ban against companies discriminating against Israel to colleges and universities.

Sen. Tom Leek’s SB 1678 suggests anti-Israeli actions by schools and non governmental agencies amount to an “academic boycott,” and merit the cessation of state contracts and grants with those entities on the wrong side of the ideological conflict.

These entities would have 90 days to correct their non-compliance and be removed from what would be called the Scrutinized Companies or Other Entities that Boycott Israel List under this proposal. Otherwise, the state would divest itself of contracts with them.

“Florida’s global economy thrives with our trade partners, including Israel, which is why I am proud to file Senate Bill 1678 that will now address entities boycotting Israel to include educational institutions and nonprofit organizations,” Leek said.

Rep. Hillary Cassel has filed companion legislation in the House.

“We must take a firm, resolute stand against hate, not only against those who try to harm Floridians through antisemitic economic boycotts, but also in academia, where such rhetoric is beginning to take hold,” Cassel said. “House Bill 1519 is a legislative initiative aimed at ensuring Floridians’ taxpayer dollars do not support antisemitic activities in either the commercial or academic sectors.”

The current list of companies, managed by the State Board of Administration, was first put forth in 2016 after Gov. Rick Scott signed it into law. It currently includes a number of companies, including various subsidiaries of Unilever.

Joe Sabag, the expert who drafted the original legislation, is on board with the proposed update.

“No state has done more than Florida to shield its economy and taxpayer funds from the damage done by the antisemitic BDS (boycott, divest, sanctions) hate movement. This bill keeps Florida on the cutting edge of this policy effort and will set a standard that will surely be followed by the 38 other states with anti-BDS laws.”

The SBA compiles the boycott Israel list quarterly, using publicly available data and contacting the companies as part of its fact finding.

The 2016 bill passed with unanimous support in the Senate and two no votes in the House.