Disappointing legal decision against academic trips to Cuba

WASHINGTON.— Randall C. Marshall, legal representative of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has described as disappointing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to leave intact a Florida law prohibiting the use of public funds for academic trips to Cuba.

It is a wrong law which sends a distorted message on academic freedom in Florida, and a sad moment for academic activity, he affirmed.

In his view, the ban will restrict the use of public capital and contributions traditionally granted by foundations and private organizations for the work of universities in this state, home to a number of groups plotting and perpetrating acts of terrorism against Cuba.

On June 25, the Supreme Court, mostly composed of conservative magistrates, declined to review the law without presenting any arguments, thus leaving intact the restriction imposed by Florida in 2006.

Professors from various schools and universities in the state challenged the law this month, with the backing of ACLU, on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and interferes with foreign policy established by the federal government.