Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is facing backlash after his call to ban pro-Palestinian groups from colleges in the state. DeSantis has defended his decision, claiming that these groups violated state laws prohibiting antisemitism and that they openly side with Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

In an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, DeSantis responded to criticism from his 2024 rival Vivek Ramaswamy, who called the restrictions a "shameful political ploy" and "utter hypocrisy." DeSantis rejected these claims, stating, "This is not cancel culture." He argued that pro-Palestinian groups on state campuses had declared themselves part of the Hamas movement, not just standing in solidarity with it.

DeSantis specifically mentioned the organization National Students for Justice in Palestine (National SJP), which had claimed to be part of the Hamas movement. Last week, the chancellor of Florida's university system sent a letter stating that the group had published a “toolkit” referring to the Hamas operation as "the resistance" and asserting that "Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement."

The governor defended his decision to decertify pro-Palestinian student groups, emphasizing that the law prohibits knowingly providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. DeSantis believes that by aligning themselves with Hamas, these groups have gone beyond mere demonstration and support, entering the realm of terrorism. He argued that allowing a group to openly side with a brutal terrorist organization is not healthy for the country and compared it to committing "suicide as a country." He stands by his decision to decertify these groups, asserting that it is justified within the law.

Critics, however, accuse DeSantis of undermining free speech rights. The University of Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) condemned the governor's actions, stating that he is disrespecting American values such as freedom of speech to extend his political power. They argue that DeSantis is seeking to deactivate their chapters in the state university system due to their response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

DeSantis has been an outspoken critic of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis. He recently announced that if elected president, he would cancel student visas and deport foreign nationals who celebrate Hamas.

The controversy surrounding the ban on pro-Palestinian groups in Florida's colleges highlights the ongoing debate between freedom of speech and national security concerns. While DeSantis argues that the groups have crossed a line by aligning themselves with a designated terrorist organization, critics see his actions as an infringement on their right to express their views. The issue is likely to continue to generate discussion and debate as the 2024 presidential election approaches.