Story perspectives

Florida Board Bans Undocumented Students From State Universities

9/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously to bar undocumented students from state universities.
The ban takes effect for initial enrollment starting the 2027-28 academic year.
2024-25 data show at least 4,672 undocumented students in state colleges and 2,000 in universities.
Governor Ron DeSantis said the board acted on measures the legislature rejected.
United Faculty of Florida president Robert Cassanello called the ban overreach and warned of costs.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, Arizona enacted Senate Bill 1070, barring undocumented students from state university enrollment and in-state tuition. The law, championed by Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona Board of Regents, forced over 2,000 students to withdraw, costing the state $1.5 billion annually. Florida’s Board of Governors now mirrors that approach, voting unanimously in 2024 to bar undocumented students from state universities beginning the 2027-28 term. The precedent suggests heightened legal battles, potential federal challenges, and amplified costs for institutions like the University of Florida and United Faculty of Florida.

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Story summary

The Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously to bar undocumented students from state universities.
The ban takes effect for initial enrollment starting the 2027-28 academic year.
2024-25 data show at least 4,672 undocumented students in state colleges and 2,000 in universities.
Governor Ron DeSantis said the board acted on measures the legislature rejected.
United Faculty of Florida president Robert Cassanello called the ban overreach and warned of costs.

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