University of Florida bans three professors from testifying in voting-rights lawsuit against the state

The University of Florida initially blocked three political science and law professors from testifying as paid expert witnesses in a federal lawsuit challenging Florida's SB 90 voting law, telling them their testimony would conflict with the university's interest as a state institution. The professors had been hired by plaintiffs to analyze the law's effects on minority voter access. The restriction on expert testimony by faculty members represented a direct use of university employment to insulate state legislation from independent expert scrutiny. After the AAUP and free speech organizations raised alarm, the university reversed course, but the initial ban had already sent a warning to faculty members statewide about the risks of expert engagement in cases adverse to state interests.