DeSantis Defends Directive to Ban Pro-Palestinian Groups from Florida State Colleges Over Alleged Hamas Links

DeSantis faced criticism of infringing on First Amendment rights by opposing biotech entrepreneur and GOP presidential primary challenger Vivek Ramaswamy, yet insists it's an issue of preventing material support to terrorism, though confirmed evidence of such support was not provided.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended his directive to ban pro-Palestinian groups from Florida colleges, arguing they provided material support to terrorist organization Hamas, a claim the groups deny.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential primary challenger, criticized DeSantis' decision, stating that expressing an opinion, even in support of a disputed organization, does not constitute material support.
The group targeted is the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), deemed as having ties to Hamas due to statements of solidarity following a recent attack by the organization.
Despite allegations, DeSantis was unable to provide concrete evidence that SJP was offering material support to Hamas, only highlighting their expressed solidarity and alignment with the organization’s actions.
Critics argue that DeSantis' move infringes on First Amendment rights and equate it to cancel culture. The governor insists that it's a security issue, stating it's necessary to prevent groups supporting terrorism from thriving.