Bill to Ban Trips to Cuba by Florida Academics Awaits the Signature of Jeb Bush

Miami, May 6, 2006. (RHC)--A bill that prohibits both public and private Florida universities from sponsoring academic trips to Cuba was passed by the Florida State legislature and now awaits signing by Governor Jeb Bush

Analysts see the legislation as confirming the prevailing rightwing Florida fear of open exchange between Cuban academics and their colleagues at universities in Florida, where anti-Cuban extremists have great influence.

The bill, presented by Florida House member David Rivera, a Miami Republican, has already cleared the State Senate.

Under the plan, colleges and universities would be barred from using state funds, private donations and grants to implement, organize, direct, coordinate, or administer activities to several nations headed by Cuba.

The State Department designates Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria as terrorist states, reported the Miami Herald.