Gov. Ron DeSantis Calls on State Board to Place Ben & Jerry’s on Continued Examination Companies that Boycott Israel List
By Space Coast Daily // July 22, 2021
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis called on the State Board of Administration (SBA) Thursday to immediately place Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever on the Continued Examination Companies that Boycott Israel List and initiate the process to place both companies on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List.
See the full letter below.
Dear Mr. Williams,
As you know, Florida has long had a strong relationship with the State of Israel. As a matter of law and principle, the State of Florida does not tolerate discrimination against the State of Israel or the Israeli people, including boycotts and divestments targeting Israel.
It has come to my attention that Ben & Jerry’s has announced plans to remove its products and prohibit the sale of its ice cream in Judea and Samaria. These actions taken by Ben & Jerry’s fall squarely within the prohibited activities defined by Section 215.4725(1)(a), Florida Statutes. Ben & Jerry’s is a wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever, a publicly traded company in which Florida holds multiple investments.
Therefore, I am requesting the State Board of Administration (SBA) immediately place Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever on the Continued Examination Companies that Boycott Israel List, and initiate the process to place Ben & Jerry’s, and by extension Unilever, on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List. Please provide an update on the status of this process to me and the other Trustees as soon as possible.
Should the State Board of Administration affirmatively place Unilever and its corporate entities on the Scrutinized Companies List and these companies do not cease the boycott of Israel as required by Florida law, the Board must refrain from acquiring any and all Unilever assets consistent with the law.
These actions affirm the State of Florida’s relationship with the State of Israel and our commitment to a swift response to those who discriminate against the Israeli people.
Sincerely,
Ron DeSantis
Governor
Gov. DeSantis’ announcement comes on the heels of the State of Texas making a similar announcement after a top Texas official said Thursday he is considering banning Ben & Jerry’s statewide after the company announced it will no longer sell ice cream in “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
Texas State Comptroller Glenn Hegar says he has directed staff to review whether Ben & Jerry’s or its parent company Unilever have violated the state’s “boycott Israel” laws.
