By The News Service of Florida
The Florida Department of Education has started the process to block private schools from receiving Family Empowerment Scholarship funds if they employ, affiliate with or are controlled by a domestic or foreign terrorist organization.
The department started its rulemaking process to comply with HB 1471, passed earlier this year in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order classifying the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations.
CAIR is suing the state over the law, claiming it violates the group’s First Amendment rights.
The new law also prohibits public universities and colleges from spending state or federal funds to support programs or campus activities that promote a designated terrorist organization.
The bill was approved in the Republican-controlled Legislature by votes of 80-25 in the House and 25-11 in the Senate.