NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
The University of Florida College Republicans (UFCR) chapter has filed a lawsuit against the University of Florida (UF) after the club was shut down due to illegal claims made by an outside organization.
The crackdown came after a reporter posted a photo of a member allegedly making a Nazi salute, saying he sent the photo “to the FBI and others.”
“The University of Florida was recently notified by the Florida Federation of College Republicans (FFCR) that it has disbanded the local chapter of the College Republicans (Local CR),” the university said in a statement. “This request is based on FFCR’s finding that some members of Local CR have engaged in conduct that violates its rules and regulations, including recent anti-religious activity.”
A chapter of UF’s College Republicans filed a lawsuit alleging that the university illegally disbanded the group based on the claims of an outside organization that had no authority over them. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/The Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
UF College Republicans (UFCR) responded to the statement by X, saying that FFCR has no authority over UFCR and has nothing to do with their organization. Instead, they recognize that they are members of the College Republicans of America.
LOYOLA NEW ORLEANS TPUSA CHAPTER DENIED AGAIN AFTER ‘REALLY CALLING’ STUDENT GOVERNMENT MEETING: STUDENT
“They cited FFCR, an organization we are not a part of that has no jurisdiction over our chapter,” UFCR wrote. “We are members of a different organization and we are proud [College Republicans of America].”
“We look forward to the University restoring our club and correcting this statement,” the document continued. “We have retained consultants and have received information that it is not the first time that FFCR has lied to shut down conservative Christian groups in the school.”
DID YOU LEARN ENGLISH AT THE CAMPSITE? SEND US A TIP HERE
The College Republicans of America also defended the chapter, and sent UFCR a statement saying they expect UF to restore the UF chapter.
Backed by legal counsel, the UF College Republicans are seeking reinstatement through the courts, calling the university’s decision politically motivated and inappropriate. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
UFCR also filed a lawsuit against the university, supported by Lake County, Florida, County Commissioner and attorney Anthony Sabatini, who posted on X about the dissolution of UFCR.
SIGN UP FOR THE CAMPUS RADICALS NEWSLETTER
“The University of Florida immediately shut down the UFCR, because of the allegations made by the UFCR member, and in an attempt to silence the club and cool its future speech,” Sabatini said. “After the shutdown, UF attempted to justify its illegal decision by providing a false pretext as a basis, asserting that it acted at the behest of a third party, the Florida Federation of College Republicans (FFCR), a group that has no authority or affiliation with UFCR.”
“No university policy, statute, or law provides UF with a legal basis for termination,” the post continued. “We want an emergency first stop.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CAMPUS RADICALS COAST TO COAST
The controversy escalated into a lawsuit after UF disbanded its College Republicans chapter following a viral photo and pressure from a separate Republican coalition. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
William Donahue, chairman of the College Republicans of America, issued a statement on the issue, saying the “interaction” is damaging the GOP’s agenda.
“We will not continue to fight more than we have to fight the Left,” Donahue said in a statement. “We cannot continue to use our power in endless internal trade while the country asks who is going to lower prices, secure the roads, secure the border, and restore peace.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“We cannot continue criticizing each other, criticizing each other, trying to destroy organizations, reputation, and livelihoods, and then expect the public to believe that we are ready to govern,” said Donahue.
Fox News Digital reached out to UFCR, Donahue, FFCR, and Sabatini, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Preston Mizell is a reporter for Fox News. News tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and X @MizellPreston
