TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Jacob Burmood, an artist from Missouri, shares his disappointment upon receiving an offer of $3,500 to display one of his abstract metal sculptures in a South Florida suburb. He was disheartened to discover that the city’s contract included a clause banning any boycott of Israel. Burmood ultimately declined the offer, stating that he could not in good conscience agree to it, as it would contribute to normalizing such language in contractual agreements and the ongoing issues in Gaza.
Florida is one of over 30 states implementing regulations that restrict government bodies from engaging companies that support boycotting Israel. While this law has existed for several years, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict raises alarm among artists and advocates beyond Florida’s borders. Supporters of boycotting Israel argue that this approach, regarded as a nonviolent form of resistance, parallels the efforts seen during the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Conversely, critics claim that such boycotts can escalate into antisemitism and seek to undermine the legitimacy of Israel itself.
Burmood asked the city of Sunrise to eliminate the anti-boycott stipulation from the contract; however, city officials informed him that this language is mandated by state law, as seen in emails he shared. Eric Lachs, the city spokesperson, expressed respect for Burmood’s decision to withdraw from the art program.
Another artist, Miami resident Les Gomez-Gonzalez, stated that signing a similar contract was not a feasible option for showcasing their work in a Pembroke Pines city-owned gallery. Gomez-Gonzalez criticized the situation, stating it continues to suppress those who stand in solidarity with Palestine and restrict necessary funding access.
Following Hamas’s assault on Israel in October 2023, which ignited renewed conflict in Gaza, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis made public declarations of support for Israel, emphasizing the state’s dedication to fighting against anti-Israel sentiments.
Lee Rowland, executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship, views the requirement for artists to endorse specific political stances as detrimental to their First Amendment rights. The organization has been monitoring legal challenges against laws governing the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement (BDS). Rowland remarked that such clauses infringe upon the right to free expression by linking government contracts to individual political beliefs and actions.
On the other hand, Jeremy Redfern, the governor’s press secretary, defended the law, arguing that it pertains to conduct rather than speech. Burmood expressed his feelings of helplessness regarding the destruction occurring in Gaza, particularly in light of the substantial $17.9 billion U.S. military aid granted to Israel.
His refusal to sign Florida’s government contract in December represented a small act of protest that he could undertake from St. Joseph, Missouri, many miles away. “I am not going to be silenced,” Burmood proclaimed. “Whatever my tiny little voice can do, I’m going to use it.”
