DeSantis says Florida will welcome Jewish students who want to transfer with ‘open arms’

At his annual State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Florida will welcome Jewish students who want to transfer with “open arms” amid rising reports of antisemitism on college campuses.

DeSantis, who chartered flights from Israel to rescue Floridians amid the country’s war with Hamas, said Florida has “stood up” to protect Jewish day schools, synagogues and Jewish students on university campuses, while other institutions across the country “have simply failed.”

“This week, Jewish students across the country are returning to campuses that have outright condoned antisemitism. Over the coming months, they’ll have a tough decision to make. Do they pack up and leave or do they stay and continue to endure a hostile environment?” DeSantis said in his address to the state Legislature. “And if they do decide to come to Florida, I can tell you this, we will welcome them with open arms.”

DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, said in October he would revoke student visas of Hamas sympathizers if he were elected to the White House. His administration ordered state universities to ban pro-Palestinian student organizations from campuses and said the Students for Justice in Palestine group supports a “terrorist organization.”

“Pro-Hamas activities and rampant antisemitism that we’ve witnessed throughout the country on these campuses has exposed the intellectual rot that has developed on so many university campuses over the years,” he said in the address.

DeSantis said Florida will waive minimum credit hour requirements and application deadlines for Jewish students looking to transfer to a Florida university. He said he is encouraging universities and colleges in the state to “use their existing statutory authority” to provide in-state tuition for Jewish students with financial hardship.

“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,” he said.

DeSantis announced in October that Florida would be sending medical supplies, hygiene products, clothing and children’s toys to Israel for those impacted by Hamas’s Oct. 7 surprise attack. Since then, he announced that the state would be increasing sanctions against Iranian businesses after the country celebrated Hamas’s attack.

In his speech, DeSantis also touted Florida’s attempts to “reject the modern trend of universities” by eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. He also highlighted the state’s efforts to promote the rights of parents “to direct the education and upbringing of their own children” by enacting controversial book bans and rules about sports participation, which have been seen as anti-LGBTQ measures.

“Thanks to the Legislature, we have protected our children from indoctrination and sexualization of the curriculum, and we stood up for parents against the woke mob,” DeSantis said.