University of Florida bars professors from testifying in voting rights lawsuit

University says school should not be placed in conflict with administration of Governor Ron DeSantis

The University of Florida (UF) is prohibiting three professors from providing expert testimony in a lawsuit challenging a state law critics claim restricts voting rights, saying the school should not be placed in conflict with the administration of the Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.

Though the decision is being criticized as threat to academic freedom and free speech, the university said allowing Dan Smith, Michael McDonald and Sharon Austin to serve as paid experts for plaintiffs challenging the law would be adverse to the university's interests as a state of Florida institution".