Miami, FL (AP) - A federal appellate court has upheld a Florida law
that prohibits funding for academic and research travel to nations
that are considered "sponsors of terrorism."
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled Tuesday that
the state law does not conflict with federal control over foreign
policy.
Professors at several state universities filed a lawsuit against
the state in 2008. A federal judge in Miami ruled that the law was
unconstitutional.
State Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, who supported the 2006
legislation, said the appellate court's decision was a victory for
Florida taxpayers who do not want their money going to countries
like Cuba.
University of Florida professor Carmen Diana Deere, a plaintiff
in the original suit, said the law is a barrier to all levels of
research.

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