Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus Calls on FSU Student Senate President to Step Down

Members of the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued statements on June 23 calling on Florida State University (FSU) Student Senate President Ahmad Daraldik to resign over his past social media posts.

Daraldik has been under fire for past social media posts stating “f— Israel” and “stupid Jew” as well as comparing Israel to Nazi Germany on a website that he seems to run. He faced a vote of no confidence in the student senate on June 17, which ultimately failed because it fell short of the requisite two-thirds threshold.

According to FloridaPolitics.com, Democratic Rep. Richard Stark, the outgoing chair the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus, said in a statement, “FSU Senate President Ahmad Daraldik has made anti-Semitic remarks and social media posts comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, tweeted altered photographs, and used profanity. It is in the best interests of Florida State University for him to step down.”

Democratic Rep. Emily Slosberg, the soon-to-be chair of the caucus, also called on Daraldik to resign, pointing to FSU’s stated mission to foster an inclusive environment.

“I struggle to understand how anti-Semitic comments by a member of the University’s student leadership further that mission or create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students,” Slosberg said.

Various petitions also have called on Daraldik to step down. One petition that was started by a FSU student has garnered more than 8,000 signatures. Another petition that was launched by Alums for Campus Fairness has garnered more than 600 signatures.

StandWithUs sent a letter to FSU on June 19 urging the university to step in and take action against Daraldik, arguing that the university is obliged to act under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The law states that discrimination is prohibited on college campuses.

“You should address the specific instances of anti-Semitism committed by Daraldik, and explain to students — especially members of student government — why these are examples of anti-Semitism and why it is important that someone expressing such views should not be in a position of campus leadership,” the letter stated. “You should work to educate the student senate on anti-Semitism, and ask this body to vote again on whether Daraldik should remain president.”

FSU President John Thrasher issued a statement on June 18 condemning anti-Semitism but did not mention any of Daraldik’s social media posts.