University of Florida Disbands College Republicans Chapter Amid Nazi Salute Outrage

The University of Florida (UF) has officially deactivated its College Republicans (UFCR) chapter as a registered student organization. The decision, announced on Saturday, March 14, 2026, follows reports of members engaging in antisemitic behavior, specifically an incident involving a Nazi salute.

The move has triggered a legal firestorm, with the student group immediately filing a lawsuit against the university, alleging a violation of their First Amendment rights.

The Incident: A “Hitler-Style” Gesture

The controversy centers on a photograph that began circulating on social media, specifically on the platform X, in mid-March.

• The Evidence: The photo reportedly shows two individuals, including the UFCR Secretary, performing a Nazi salute in what appears to be a digital chat room or at a private gathering.
• The Whistleblower: The image was widely shared by North Carolina-based journalist Sloan Rachmuth, who questioned whether the member was “pledging allegiance to Hitler.”
• Statewide Response: The Florida Federation of College Republicans (FFCR), the statewide governing body, investigated the reports and formally requested that the university disband the chapter for conduct that is “antithetical to its principles.”

Legal and Political Backlash

The deactivation has split political and legal figures, turning the campus into a flashpoint for the national debate on free speech versus hate speech.

1. The Lawsuit: On Monday, March 16, attorney and former state legislator Anthony Sabatini filed a First Amendment retaliation lawsuit against UF. The suit argues that the deactivation is “viewpoint discrimination” and a punitive measure for the group’s conservative activities.
2. The “Fishback” Connection: The UFCR claims the timing of the disbanding is suspicious, occurring just 48 hours after they hosted James Fishback, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, for what they described as the largest political rally on campus in a decade.
3. Organizational Dispute: In a surprising twist, the UFCR claims they are actually members of the College Republicans of America (CRA) and that the FFCR has no authority over them. They allege the FFCR is using the incident as a pretext to “silence Christian conservative groups.”

Campus and National Reactions

The university has stated it will assist the FFCR in reactivating the chapter at a later date, provided it is under “new student leadership” that adheres to the organization’s values.