DeSantis Orders Florida Universities to Expedite Transfer Process for Jewish Students Facing Persecution

Governor Ron DeSantis directed the State University System of Florida and the Florida College System to waive certain transfer application requirements for Jewish students who have a “well-founded fear of antisemitic persecution” at their current institution.

The order, announced Monday, will clear credit-hour and application-window requirements that would hinder an otherwise academically eligible transfer student.

According to the governor’s office, the state of Florida is receiving an “elevated number” of inquiries from out-of-state students seeking to transfer to Florida universities and colleges.

DeSantis rooted the cause of this uptick in the antisemitism prevalent at other universities: “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.”