Florida officials warn BayCare over Northwestern ties amid antisemitism concerns

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(The Center Square) – Florida officials are warning a major hospital system about its partnership with a university facing criticism over antisemitism and diversity policies.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia sent a letter to BayCare Health System demanding it end its partnership with Northwestern University or prove no state funding supports it.

The officials raised concerns about Northwestern’s record and ongoing federal investigations.

“Northwestern, by contrast, has no such accountability, and has been the subject of serious controversies that raise questions about its suitability as a partner for an entity receiving Florida taxpayer dollars,” the letter says.

They also warned the partnership could create a “double standard” if taxpayer-backed institutions work with organizations that do not follow the same rules.

The officials called on BayCare to either end the partnership or “provide a full and transparent accounting confirming that no state funding – directly or indirectly – is being provided to Northwestern University.”

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from BayCare.

BayCare recently expanded its collaboration with Northwestern Medicine and started a new organ transplant program. BayCare, in a statement to Florida's Voice, said it follows state law and does not send taxpayer money to Northwestern.

“BayCare exists to serve the communities of West Central Florida as a not-for-profit health system that is community-owned and wholly governed locally,” the system said. “Our strategic collaboration with Northwestern University is in service to that community mission as we accelerate the region’s access to academic medicine and all its attributes for delivering the most advanced, high-quality care for our patients.

“BayCare is fully compliant with all Florida laws, and no state funding – directly or indirectly – is provided to Northwestern University.”

BayCare said it will provide more information to state officials.

The dispute comes as Northwestern faces scrutiny.

Campus groups started a petition earlier this year, calling on Northwestern Medicine to cancel a lecture by an Israeli transplant surgeon. The petition accused Israeli medical institutions of unethical practices.

“Israel has a documented history of unethical and illegal organ harvesting from Palestinian bodies,” the petition says. “Hosting this event while Israeli forces are actively killing Palestinian health care workers and destroying Gaza's medical infrastructure is incompatible with Northwestern Medicine's stated commitment to medical ethics.”

Critics have described those claims as longstanding antisemitic accusations.

Federal officials have investigated Northwestern for potential Title VI violations tied to antisemitism concerns.

The conflict puts BayCare at odds with top Florida officials as debates over antisemitism; campus activism; and what are called diversity, equity and inclusion policies continue nationwide.