Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has directed Florida higher education institutions to make it easier for Jewish students to transfer to a Sunshine State school, saying the state will welcome them with “open arms.”

DeSantis addressed the recent rise in reports of antisemitism during his State of the State address on Tuesday, adding that Florida has “stood up” to protect Jewish schools and students on university campuses while other institutions “have simply failed.” 

“This week, Jewish students across the country are returning to campuses that have outright condoned antisemitism. Over the coming months, they’ll have a tough decision to make. Do they pack up and leave, or do they stay and continue to endure a hostile environment?” DeSantis said. “And if they do decide to come to Florida, I can tell you this: we will welcome them with open arms.”

DeSantis said Florida will waive academic requirements such as minimum credit hours and application deadlines for Jewish students looking to transfer to the state. He added that universities will be encouraged to “use their existing statutory authority” to provide in-state tuition for Jewish students experiencing financial hardships.

The governor’s comments come after Harvard President Claudine Gay and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill were blasted by Jewish allies and conservatives for refusing to condemn antisemitism as violating the schools’ harassment policies during their testimony before a House committee. Both presidents have since resigned from their posts.

The governor posted on X that while “elite” university leaders “enable antisemitism, we will protect Jewish students and welcome them to Florida.” 

The move to reduce barriers for Jewish transfer students also comes as DeSantis has worked to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and benefits that are meant to help minority students feel more represented in their environment and have equal access to opportunities. This includes addressing pay inequity, discriminatory hiring practices, or poor employee retention rates among marginalized groups. Several colleges and universities across the country have DEI offices aimed at promoting inclusivity among faculty and students.

In May, DeSantis signed a bill banning DEI practices in public colleges and universities, referring to DEI as “​​discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination.” The bill became one of the legislative accomplishments that he has touted on the campaign trail as he makes his bid for president.

During his Tuesday address, DeSantis praised Florida’s work to “reject the modern trend of universities” by eliminating DEI efforts, and he highlighted his administration’s efforts to promote the rights of parents “to direct the education and upbringing of their own children.” He has been blasted by Democratic allies and civil rights activists for controversial legislation focused on banning books and preventing transgender participation in sports, which has been perceived as anti-LGBT.

DeSantis has also worked to bring a pro-Israel stance to his campaign to elevate his platform. In the days following the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, his administration announced it would send medical supplies, children’s toys and clothes, and hygiene products to Israel for those affected by the terrorist attacks on Oct. 7. 

In mid-October, DeSantis pledged to cancel student visas of Hamas sympathizers if he were elected to the White House in November. His administration also demanded that all state universities ban pro-Palestinian student organizations from campuses, specifically claiming Students for Justice in Palestine supports a “terrorist organization.” 

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“Pro-Hamas activities and rampant antisemitism that we’ve witnessed throughout the country on these campuses has exposed the intellectual rot that has developed on so many university campuses over the years,” he said in Tuesday’s address.

DeSantis also signed four bills in November, two of which were in response to the war in Gaza. One bill increased Florida’s sanctions against Iranian businesses after the nation celebrated Hamas’s attack against the Jewish state. Another increased security in Jewish schools.