Free Speech

Attorneys for several publishing companies, authors and other plaintiffs filed a document that, in part, disputed a state position that selection of school library books is “government speech” and, as a result, is not subject to the First Amendment.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, USF President Rhea Law said the university "wlll not allow violent, disruptive or aggressive acts" on campus.

USF is among the universities instituting new rules, including banning encampments andlimiting the duration of demonstrations.

Proposed amendments from the university would present limitations to student-organized events like protests and fundraisers.

The group is known as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE. It’s headquartered in Philadelphia and was founded in 1999 with the aim of protecting free speech within higher education.

One of the most controversial bills to come out of this year’s legislative session restricts the use of social media sites for teenagers. We examine the constitutionality the bill, and potential lawsuits that could follow.

In the past year, Sasse has spelled out his plan for the future of UF in increasing detail. In comparison to his presence on campus on his first day, his hopes, strategies and initiatives have landed softly on the university and its constituents.

DeSantis' lawyers say the decision conflicted with legal precedents and that the suspension was justified.

Attorneys for DeSantis and the university system are arguing for dismissal of the lawsuits by the groups Students for Justice in Palestine at UF and USF.

Chair Will Weatherford said "it's our obligation as a public university to uphold the constitutional right of free speech and open dialogue" following recent Pro-Palestinian rallies on USF's campuses.

State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues sent a letter to Florida university presidents with instructions to "deactivate" a pro-Palestine student group on campuses.

The challenge, filed by the group NCF Freedom and several New College professors and students, says restrictions in the law would strip away numerous course offerings from its students.