A bipartisan effort is underway in Tallahassee to expand a specialized safety initiative for Jewish college students following a successful pilot phase. State Senator Alexis Calatayud, a Miami Republican, and Representative Allison Tant, a Tallahassee Democrat, are sponsoring a $2.3 million funding request for the 2026–27 fiscal year to bring the “Florida Hillels Jewish Student Safety Initiative” to four additional universities.
The program originally launched in 2025 at the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida. The proposed expansion would add Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Miami, reaching an estimated 25,000 students.
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While research by the firm Burson indicates Florida’s campus climate is more favorable than the national average, the data shows persistent challenges.
A survey of Jewish students in Florida found that 47% experienced antisemitism in the last year, while 67% reported feeling uncomfortable expressing their Jewish identity on campus. Additionally, 56% of respondents knew peers who avoided campus activities due to safety concerns.
“Florida doesn’t have to accept the national status quo on campus antisemitism. The pilot proved we can pair real security upgrades with the education and relationships that prevent incidents in the first place,” Senator Calatayud said. She emphasized that the goal is to ensure students can attend classes “without looking over their shoulder.”
The initiative includes physical building hardening, threat surveillance, and staff training, alongside counseling and cultural programming. Representative Tant noted that the benefits of the program extend beyond a single group.
“We have learned that those who target Jews are more likely to threaten safety broadly,” Tant said. “This initiative is about taking concrete steps—security, support, and accountability—and expanding them so more Florida campuses get the benefit of what we’ve learned.”
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The University of South Florida was highlighted in the research as a location where students face particularly frequent daily harassment. USF student Ilana Gunson explained that the initiative helps minimize physical threats through security while fostering a community where students “feel much more emotionally safe within their own identity.”
Hillel leaders across the state echoed the importance of the data-driven framework. Rabbi Jonah Zinn, Executive Director of the Schilit Hillel at the University of Florida, stated the investment ensures students are “safe, supported, and able to thrive.” At FIU, student Michael Briskin noted that the program provides a “safe space” for students to learn about their roots during times of rising tension.
Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International, confirmed the organization’s readiness to scale the model. “The pilot showed what’s possible when we combine security, education, and community support,” Lehman said.
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