(MIAMI)—Legislation awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature would give broad authority to politicians to label organizations, including nonprofits, as “domestic terrorists,” and due to vague language could restrict education programs deemed to be “promoting” terrorism, PEN America warned today. In addition, the bill could chill free speech by placing unprecedented pressure on individuals to avoid speaking, organizing, or engaging with certain viewpoints.
HB 1471 empowers the state’s chief of Domestic Security, governor, and cabinet to designate any organization they determine engages in “terrorist activity” as a terrorist organization. The state could dissolve any nonprofit that receives this designation and criminally prosecute individuals who provide “material support” to such groups. The chief would not be required to disclose the basis for these designations, creating a roadblock for organizations to exercise their due process rights to challenge them.
The bill also targets education directly. HB 1471 prohibits public K–12 schools, colleges, and universities from “promot[ing], support[ing], or maintain[ing]” programs or activities that “promote” a state-designated “terrorist organization.” It requires universities to expel students who “mak[e] a statement or tak[e] an action that supports, approves, or encourages a terrorist organization’s extralegal violence” if the statement or action “disrupts” or involves “disorder.“ Universities must report the status of expelled students attending on visas to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
PEN America Florida Director William Johnson said: “HB 1471 opens the door for Florida students to face punishment for constitutionally protected speech. The bill could allow for the targeting of student protesters and activists who criticize the Florida government or express views that conflict with those of state officials.”
He added: “The bill’s vague language, combined with the current wave of ‘anti-terrorism’ rhetoric aimed at activists, could chill education at every level. The implications are fraught. Schools could pull back from certain programming, books, and discussions to avoid anything the government might label as ‘promoting’ views tied to so-called terrorist organizations.”
HB 1471 now sits on the Governor’s desk awaiting a decision.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057