A.G. Gancarski
The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee was the first Senate panel to approve Sen. Tom Leek’s measure (SB 1678) which would defend Israel against its opponents in schools and non-governmental agencies.
That bill suggests anti-Israeli actions undertaken by “an educational institution, a nonprofit organization, an agency, a local governmental entity or unit thereof, or a foreign government” amount to an “academic boycott.”
It urges cessation of state contracts and grants with those entities on the wrong side of the ideological conflict if they don’t change their ways.
These entities would have 90 days to correct their noncompliance 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.
Even before Leek could speak, a member of the crowd called the bill “f****** b*******.” She was immediately excused from the room.
A delete all amendment clarified that public funds, such as the State Board of Administration or State University System, cannot invest in these companies. Additionally, it requires that Arts and Culture grants not go to support antisemitic work.
The bill would also target agreements, like foreign exchange programs, with foreign universities deemed to be supporting antisemitism.
Members of the public complained about the legislation, saying it restricted “academic freedom” and offered support to an Israeli regime they find objectionable.
However, others said the bill was necessary.
Miami Beach City Commissioner David Suarez noted the Boycott Divestment and Sanction movement was targeting cities like his, and the legislation was a way to counter “hateful campaigns from a noisy minority.”
Chair Randy Fine hailed Leek for carrying the bill, saying he’d worried about leaving Tallahassee and having no one carry this kind of legislation,
Leek’s bill has two more committee references.
Rep. Hillary Cassel’s bill (HB 1519) the companion legislation, also has two stops in the House. But it has yet to have a committee hearing.
8 comments
Skeptic
March 18, 2025 at 6:48 pm
Thank G*d we are restoring DEI for one favored group!
SuzyQ
March 19, 2025 at 1:42 am
Were you the person removed from the senate committee hearing and taken directly to a psychiatric facility? Reportedly, the person was released from psychiatric observation when it was determined that the person was just another delusional leftwing activist.
Skeptic
March 19, 2025 at 9:19 am
Actually, I was not. Just a patriot looking for the just application of law. Not sure how MAGA justifies favoring one group over another. If society is going to protect the historically marginalized, how is it fair to choose to do so for one group and not others? I guess the Christian and democratic value of fairness and equal treatment before the law are now considered far left.
MH/Duuuval
March 19, 2025 at 10:37 am
Chair Randy Fine hailed Leek for carrying the bill, saying he’d worried about leaving Tallahassee and having no one carry this kind of legislation.
This is the kiss of death for Leek.
cassandra was right
March 18, 2025 at 7:23 pm
f****** b*******!
No infringing on Free Speech!
SuzyQ
March 19, 2025 at 1:46 am
I know you think or “feel” you’re a constitutional scholar. Breaking news: the First Amendment is not always or universally applicable. Do you find this revelation upsetting? Does it hurt your feelings, snowflake?
MH/Duuuval
March 19, 2025 at 10:35 am
The question remains: Who gets to be the arbiter? Elected officials who are temporarily in charge, or a foundational document subject to judicial interpretation?
Ms. Q seems to fall into the former camp, which is populated these days by the autocratically inclined. Or does Q no longer stand behind the J6 dissenters?
cassandra was right
March 19, 2025 at 5:15 pm
You sound upset. Put on some nice music…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H_AdEgRpxS8
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