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The University of Florida has begun the process of deactivating the campus chapter of College Republicans after the Florida Federation of College Republicans (FFCR) determined that members engaged in conduct violating the organization’s rules and values, including what officials described as an antisemitic gesture.
According to a statement released by the university, the statewide federation informed UF that it had disbanded the local chapter and requested that the university remove the organization as a registered student group while it reorganizes under new student leadership.
“In compliance with its policies, the University of Florida is in the process of deactivating the Local CR as a registered student organization,” the university said in its statement. “When the FFCR is ready, the university will assist it with reactivating the Local CR under new student leadership.”
The university also emphasized that it supports the Jewish community and is committed to addressing antisemitism and discrimination on campus.
The decision comes amid broader controversy involving young Republican activists in Florida after reports surfaced about leaked group chat messages containing offensive language.
According to reporting on the messages, the conversations included:
The messages drew condemnation from political leaders across Florida, including Republican officials, who described the comments as unacceptable and offensive.
The Florida Federation of College Republicans cited a “pattern of conduct” that violated the organization’s values in its decision to disband the University of Florida chapter.
The decision could now trigger a legal battle over free speech rights on public university campuses.
Former Florida State Representative and attorney Anthony Sabatini announced that he intends to file a First Amendment retaliation lawsuit against the University of Florida.
In a statement posted on social media, Sabatini said:
“This is completely illegal. I spoke with UFCR leadership and I will be filing a First Amendment retaliation lawsuit under Section 1983 Monday morning against UF seeking an injunction.”
Sabatini accused the university of engaging in “enormous viewpoint discrimination over the past year.”
If filed, the lawsuit would likely rely on 42 U.S.C. §1983, a federal civil rights statute that allows individuals to sue government entities for violations of constitutional rights.
Because the University of Florida is a public university, courts have historically required institutions to maintain viewpoint neutrality when recognizing student organizations.
Following the university’s announcement, the University of Florida College Republicans pushed back against the explanation for the shutdown, arguing that the organization cited by the university does not have authority over the chapter.
In a statement posted to social media, the group said the university relied on a request from the Florida Federation of College Republicans (FFCR), which the chapter claims it is not affiliated with.
“We are proud members of a different organization,” the group wrote, referring to College Republicans of America, a national organization that operates separate chapters across the country.
The chapter also suggested the timing of the university’s decision may be connected to a recent political event it hosted.
According to the group, the university moved to terminate the organization 48 hours after it hosted investor and political commentator James Fishback at what it described as the largest candidate event held on campus in nearly a decade.
The group said it has retained legal counsel and is seeking reinstatement, adding that it believes the university’s decision should be reversed.
“We look forward to the University reinstating our club and correcting this statement,” the group wrote.
The University of Florida has indicated that the College Republicans chapter could potentially return under new leadership after the statewide organization completes its reorganization process.
However, if the threatened lawsuit moves forward, the dispute could evolve into a high-profile legal battle over whether public universities can deactivate student organizations based on the actions or statements of their members.
