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2h ago

University of Florida Moves to Deactivate College Republicans After Nazi Salute Photo

UF says reinstatement would require new leaders approved by the Florida federation.

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FILE - University of Florida students make their way through a crosswalk near the campus landmark Century Tower in Gainesville Fla. (AP Photo/Rob C. Witzel, file)
Students make their way across the University of Florida campus, on December 7, 2022, in Gainesville, Florida.

Overview

  • The Florida Federation of College Republicans disbanded the UF chapter after an inquiry found a pattern of conduct violating its rules, including an antisemitic gesture, and asked the university to deactivate the group.
  • A screenshot shared by journalist Sloan Rachmuth shows two student leaders performing a Nazi salute in a now-closed Guilded chat room.
  • UF said it supports the rights of organizations like FFCR to address conduct contrary to their principles and emphasized its commitment to protecting Jewish students.
  • The local club rejects FFCR’s authority, claims affiliation with College Republicans of America, and says it has retained legal counsel to contest the action.
  • Attorney and county commissioner Anthony Sabatini said he will file a First Amendment retaliation lawsuit under Section 1983, gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback criticized the move, and Sen. Rick Scott applauded UF’s response; the step follows a separate FIU probe into a racist and antisemitic group chat earlier this month.