Civil trial over University of Florida College Republicans wraps day two

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Day two of a civil trial over the University of Florida College Republicans has wrapped up. The judge did not make a ruling on Wednesday, but is expected to release one soon.

Federal Judge Mark Walker has not yet decided in a trial surrounding a lawsuit against the university.

Attorneys representing the UF College Republicans said the university violated their First Amendment by deactivating the group. They’re trying to prove leaders like Interim President Dr Donald Landry violated the group’s rights in an effort to chill their future speech.

This all happened in March, after university leaders claimed the Florida Federation of College Republicans, or FFCR, disbanded the group because of a violation of rules and values after a student was accused of performing a nazi salute.

RELATED: UF College Republicans seek reinstatement in federal trial

On the last day of the trial in federal court, the defense called the last three witnesses, all from the university’s student engagement office.

First, Solange Douglas, who met with a representative of FFCR a little more than a week before the decision to deactivate UF’s chapter was made. She said she was told FFCR revoked the group’s charter.

Douglas explained the decision was solely because of the charter issue, not speech, anti-semitism, or viewpoints expressed. She said the statement from university leaders, signed by Landry, surprised her because of the reference to anti-semitism throughout.

A second witness agreed, explaining the same reasons and said the group did appeal, but it was denied. And lastly, Engagement Assistant Vice President James Tyger. He said he was never a part of calls with top UF leaders, who decided to send out a statement referencing anti-semitism. However, he was grilled for not remembering details of many conversations about the decision.

Judge Walker did give some insight into what his decision may be, saying he’s skeptical the deactivation was because of the chapter expressing their free speech rights, but does believe the administration was laser-focused on anti-semitism.

As a result of this lawsuit, this upcoming fall, student organizations that say they’re chartered will have to provide documentation.

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