Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other groups as terrorist organizations under a new law that took effect on Wednesday. The law, which was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, allows the state to impose such designations on groups that are deemed to be a threat to national security.

Designations

The designations announced by DeSantis include CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the anti-fascism movement known as antifa. The governor stated that the designations were based on the groups’ conduct and their involvement in activities that are deemed to be destructive.

The law also outlines rules for expelling students at state universities who promote support for these groups. According to the law, a student who promotes a designated terrorist organization can be expelled from school. The law defines promotion as actions that can be reasonably interpreted as an actual threat of violence, disrupt the learning environment, infringe upon the rights of others, or offer material support for or the recruitment of members for such an organization.

CAIR has announced that it plans to challenge the designation in court, stating that the law dramatically expands Florida’s authority to label and punish groups. The organization claims that the designation is an attempt to silence a leading American civil rights nonprofit and punish those who support it.

Response

The designations have been met with criticism from some groups, who argue that the law is an overreach of state authority and could lead to the suppression of free speech. However, supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to protect national security and prevent the spread of terrorism.

The law also includes provisions that bar schools affiliated with designated terrorist organizations from receiving state K-12 scholarship program money. Additionally, public universities and colleges are prohibited from spending state or federal funds to support programs or campus activities that promote a designated terrorist organization.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.