Florida State University has an expansive study abroad program, but that program does not include at least five countries. That's because in 2006 Florida lawmakers placed a travel ban on students and professors.

"It's infringing on a teacher's right to really educate and do their research," said FSU student Courtney Laster.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the United Faculty of Florida have filed lawsuits challenging the ban.

The State University System of Florida has been named as a defendant in the suit. Chancellor Mark Rosenberg says FSU is caught in the middle. Rosenberg says the ban places Florida at a disadvantage.

"We're very uncomfortable with that statute because of that. It does limit our ability to hire high quality faculty and to retain high quality faculty," said Rosenberg.

The chancellor plans to argue tuition is non-state money.

"It just seems kind of silly that I go to the school, but the money that I use to pay tuition, I will not be able to use to go somewhere else," said FSU student Timothy Warner.

When the travel ban was signed Sudan, Syria, Iran, North Korea and Cuba were banned because they were deemed a terrorist state.

"One of the main things that will help solve some of this political strife is if these people do the research and find out about these cultures," said FSU student Courtney Laster.

For now that research will have to be done within the borders.