Florida Law Student's Claim on 'We the People' Was On For White People Leads to Suspension and Loss of Internship

Preston Damsky, a law student at the University of Florida, presents beliefs that many may consider extreme. In a term paper addressing “originalism,” a legal interpretation favored by conservative judges, the 29-year-old California native asserted that “We the People” pertains exclusively to whites, denying voting protections to non-white individuals. He controversially suggested instructing border agents to “shoot-to-kill” perceived threats.Despite such inflammatory views, Damsky was awarded a top academic honor by Judge John L. Badalamenti, triggering widespread criticism among peers and faculty. Interim dean Merritt McAlister defended the decision citing free speech rights but faced backlash, as concerns over campus safety were raised following Damsky's antisemitic online expressions.Damsky’s viewpoints have shaped his aspirations for a prosecutorial career, though recent actions led to the revocation of an internship offer. This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding free speech and the boundaries of academic inquiry within educational institutions.