DeSantis says Florida will welcome Jewish students who want to transfer with 'open arms'

Source: The Hill

DeSantis says Florida will welcome Jewish students who want to transfer with ‘open arms’

BY LAUREN IRWIN - 01/09/24 12:44 PM ET

At his annual State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Florida will welcome Jewish students who want to transfer with “open arms” amid rising reports of antisemitism on college campuses.

DeSantis, who chartered flights from Israel to rescue Floridians amid the country’s war with Hamas, said Florida has “stood up” to protect Jewish day schools, synagogues and Jewish students on university campuses, while other institutions across the country “have simply failed.”

“This week, Jewish students across the country are returning to campuses that have outright condoned antisemitism. Over the coming months, they’ll have a tough decision to make. Do they pack up and leave or do they stay and continue to endure a hostile environment?” DeSantis said in his address to the state Legislature. “And if they do decide to come to Florida, I can tell you this, we will welcome them with open arms.”

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DeSantis said Florida will waive minimum credit hour requirements and application deadlines for Jewish students looking to transfer to a Florida university. He said he is encouraging universities and colleges in the state to “use their existing statutory authority” to provide in-state tuition for Jewish students with financial hardship.

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Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4397849-desantis-florida-welcome-jewish-students-transfer-open-arms/