Thread by @FloridaEA

At 2:00pm today, the Senate Education Appropriations Committee will take up SB 264.

Like many of the bills related to education that seem to be gaining traction this session, SB 264 is a solution in search of a problem. 1/x

SB 246 attacks academic freedom on college & university campuses under the guise of an "intellectual diversity" survey.
When testifying on the bill in its last committee stop on Jan. 26, bill sponsor Sen Rodrigues admitted he had no evidence of a problem that justified this bill

Sen. Rodrigues also stated he "did not know" if university presidents support this bill because he had "not had conversations any of them...I have not solicited their input."

While Sen. Rodrigues might not have heard from any university presidents, he has heard from a lot UFF members--from college and university faculty and staff as well as graduate assistants who have all had one clear message: SB 264 does more harm than good.

Have the senators listened? We'll find out soon and we'll provide live updates of today's discussion on SB 264 in this thread. Again, the meeting starts at 2pm. As always you can watch live via @floridachannel thefloridachannel.org

Sen. Rodrigues has filed an amendment to his bill which clarifies that students cannot publicly post videos they take during class at colleges and universities. flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2…

Sen. @SenJanetCruz asks if this bill applies to public and private institutions of higher education or only public ones.

Sen. Rodrigues clarifies SB 264 only applies to public colleges and universities.

The amendment passes, and now the committee is now on the bill as amended. Public appearance starts with Martin Balinsky, a professor at Tallahassee Community College. He tells the committee, "At a time where families are suffering...this bill's priority is unnecessary."

"Furthermore, students are already asked to fill out surveys for every class they take in Florida's colleges and universities," Balinsky continues.

Next to speak is Cathy Boehme. "We do appreciate the sponsor's attempt to improve the bill with amendments...but I'm worried you haven't had enough time to consider the ramifications of this bill. Please slow down," she asks the committee.

"Surveys are shaky evidence upon which to base policy. We make mistakes when we rush policy. I ask you to slow down and listen," Boehme concludes.

Barney Bishop is up next. He complains about "cancel culture" and then begins an advertisement for a local charter school in Tallahassee. Again, he's testifying on a bill related to higher education.

In questioning, Sen. @TinaPolsky asks Bishop if he can provide examples of the indoctrination he is worried about.

"There are so many examples I don't know where to start," Bishop says because he doesn't have a single example.

Sen. @TinaPolsky again asks Bishop if he can give even a single example of what he is complaining about.

Bishop extols the wonders of the first amendment while again ignoring Sen. Polsky's question.

Sen. @SenAudrey2eet opposing SB 264 says "The biggest concern with the recording is that it is stifling...if the idea is to muzzle professors then I guess this is the bill you want."

Sen. @SenJanetCruz also opposes the bill and says, "free expression and free speech is already allowed on our college campuses. What worries me is this is political intimidation targeted at our institutions of higher learning."

Sen. Broxson, the lone committee member to speak in favor of the bill says he supports SB 264 because his constituents want to know what goes on in public colleges and universities.

This bill will not accomplish that goal, however.

SB 264 was voted favorably (votes will be added to this thread when they are published).

SB 264's next committee stop will be in the Senate Appropriations Committee. We'll update you when it's placed on the agenda.