Lawmakers push for funding to protect Jewish college students amid rising antisemitism

Press release from UF Hillel (Gainesville Jewish Student Foundation), FSU Hillel (Hillel at FSU Foundation), and USF Hillel (Hillel Jewish Student Center of Tampa)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers is pushing for state funding to strengthen security and cultural protections for Jewish students at three of the state’s largest universities.

The proposal, backed by legislators representing constituents in districts that include the University of Florida (UF), Florida State University (FSU), and the University of South Florida (USF), aims to increase physical security, combat misinformation, and foster stronger community ties in response to growing concerns about antisemitism on college campuses.

Florida has already invested heavily in protecting Jewish K-12 schools and community centers, but no comparable funding has been directed toward Jewish college students – until now. Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), who is sponsoring the funding request at his alma mater USF, said the goal is to provide a model that can be replicated across Florida and beyond.

“This is about taking action – not just reacting to antisemitism but actively working to prevent it,” Burgess said. “USF, UF, and FSU are leading the charge, and we hope these efforts can serve as a successful model elsewhere.”

The plan includes:

• Increased security measures, including personnel, surveillance, and training
• Cultural programs designed to celebrate Jewish heritage and foster understanding
• Educational initiatives to dispel misinformation and combat antisemitism
• Community outreach through full-time liaisons dedicated to improving relations
• Student counseling and training for those affected by antisemitism

The initiative comes as Jewish students across the country report feeling unsafe following an increase in antisemitic rhetoric and threats of violence, particularly since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The proposal would provide funding to campus Hillel organizations at UF, FSU, and USF to implement a model that combines security enhancements with education and relationship-building efforts.

Recent polling data underscores the challenge.

Outside of Florida, national survey data released in January by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) show that 83% of Jewish college students have experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism since the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, including more than a quarter (27%) who said they had observed antisemitic activity by faculty.

And in Florida, other disturbing trends in public opinion are seen.

“Florida has done more to protect Jewish residents than any other state, but significant challenges are seen even here,” said Karen Cyphers, partner at Sachs Media and vice president of the Tallahassee Jewish Federation. “We’ve been surveying Florida voters on antisemitism regularly since 2018, and the trendline is disturbing. In the past two years alone, the share of Floridians who believe Jews are responsible for what happened to them in the Holocaust has risen four-fold, and even more harrowing is the steady share of young people who say Hamas was justified in carrying out the October 7 attack.”

According to a handful of Sachs Media surveys conducted over the past 16 months, among Floridians under the age of 45:

• 40% believe Hamas was justified in its attack on Israeli civilians
• 58% are unaware of Hamas’ stated goal to eliminate Israel
• 26% say violence against American supporters of Israel is justified

The initiative will also gather data on campus climate and the effectiveness of the programs, comparing outcomes at these three pilot universities with those at institutions without similar initiatives.

Florida State alumnus Sen. Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee), who is sponsoring the funding request at FSU, said the initiative is about ensuring all students feel safe.

“We cannot allow antisemitism to fester on our campuses. Every student deserves to feel secure expressing their identity, and this effort ensures that Jewish students at FSU and across Florida have that right,” Simon said.

In a welcome show of unity across party lines, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have rallied behind the effort.

Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa), who is advocating for USF’s portion of the funding, described the initiative as a necessary measure for student safety and cultural understanding.

“We have an obligation to make sure every student, of every background, feels safe on campus,” Driskell said. “Safety stems from a sense of understanding, and this project is focused on building those kinds of bridges.”

Sen. Stan McClain (R-Ocala) and Rep. Chad Johnson (R-Chiefland) are leading the charge for the Hillel at UF.

“Education should be a space for dialogue and learning, not fear and intimidation,” McClain said. “This funding will help ensure UF remains a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish students.”

“If approved, this funding would make Florida the first state to implement a large-scale, data-driven initiative focused on Jewish student safety at the college level,” Johnson said, himself a graduate of UF.

Rep. Allison Tant (D-Tallahassee), who is championing the measure at her alma mater FSU, emphasized the broader impact.

“Florida has led the way in protecting Jewish communities, and Florida State has demonstrated exemplary support for these students,” Tant said. “This is the next step, to amplify these efforts from a grassroots level up. What we do here can serve as a national model.”

Advocates say the program will not only enhance security but also help shift campus culture by dispelling harmful misinformation and strengthening relationships between Jewish and non-Jewish students.

“Jewish communities in Florida receive a level of support from our public institutions, including state leaders and college administrations, far beyond what peers experience in other parts of the country,” said Brian Pelc, executive director of Hillel at FSU “This project is designed to make sure we’re building on those efforts by honing our communications, deepening understanding, and strengthening relationships to mitigate the spread of antisemitism.”

With lawmakers from both sides of the aisle backing the initiative, proponents are optimistic about its chances in the upcoming legislative session.

“Jewish students at USF should feel safe and supported, both physically and culturally, on our campus and in our surrounding communities,” said Sylvie Feinsmith, executive director of Hillel at USF. “This initiative allows us to not only enhance security but also to invest in education and relationship-building, ensuring that misinformation and antisemitism have no place in our community.”

“This effort is about more than just protection, it’s about reinforcing a campus climate where Jewish students can thrive without fear and contribute to campus culture, life, and academics in the many beautiful ways they do. By strengthening security and fostering greater understanding, we are ensuring that UF remains a place of learning, respect, and inclusivity for all,” said Rabbi Jonah Zinn, executive director of Hillel at UF.

“By allocating these funds to protect Jewish students and organizations on university campuses, Florida will continue its commitment to its Jewish community, which has faced an alarming rise in antisemitism,” said Daniel Frank, ADL’s Florida Regional Director. “All students should be free to learn in an environment without fear for their safety and engage in campus activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.”

These funding requests (Forms 2206, 2318, and 3321 in the House, and Forms 2938, 1508, and 1681 in the Senate) are currently under review and will be debated in the coming months.

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