Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman (R-Highland Beach) has filed a bill that would set rules and boundaries on political activity on Florida's colleges and universities.
The bill, HB 549, would specifically ban the display, posting, or distribution of political material on campuses. It would also prohibit collecting donations for a certain candidate, which may imply an endorsement by the school.
Additionally, the bill would prohibit school employees from using state resources, such as their school email addresses or offices, to advocate for a specific candidate or political issue. HB 549 also mandates that all candidates must be invited to speak on school grounds if an invitation is offered to a particular candidate, showing a level of fairness.
Penalties from any of the above violations may result in a second-degree misdemeanor, according to the bill text. An amendment to the bill has been floated to exclude K-12 schools, which Rep. Gossett-Seidman confirmed to the Floridian.
James T. Fishback, the CEO of Azoria, argued with Gossett-Seidman on X, commenting that the legislation would infringe on students' First Amendment rights to distribute campaign literature.
"With all due respect, kill your bill," Fishback countered. "It would effectively ban political activity on college campuses at the very moment we need more debate and discussion, not less. I've reached out to meet in person at your earliest convenience."
Gossett-Seidman responded to the exchange, arguing that college campuses were not the place to promote such political activities.
"If you think taxpayer-funded campuses should double as campaign offices, take it up with the IRS code — FS-2006-17 and FSS 14.31 bar that already… Florida is leading by actually enforcing it with HB-49!" Gossett-Seidman said.
The bill comes after the assassination of Conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, often engaged with college students in viral debates, as well as promoted conservative thought and principles, across the country.
This is the first bill filed by Gossett-Seidman for the upcoming legislative session. A Senate companion to HB 549 has not yet been filed.
The Florida Legislative Session starts on Jan. 13.
