Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state leaders Tuesday placed Morningstar, a Chicago-based investment research firm, on Florida’s list of “scrutinized companies.”
The list targets companies alleged to be involved in boycotts of Israel.
DeSantis was backed by Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
The statewide elected officials held a brief meeting by phone in their role as trustees of the State Board of Administration.
“In May I signed legislation to strengthen Florida’s prohibition on investing with companies that boycott Israel,” DeSantis said. “In reviewing today’s report, and in consultation with staff, it’s clear Morningstar, a company currently under continued examination, may be in violation of these new provisions of law.”
The decision gave Morningstar 90 days to end actions that are considered part of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions, or BDS, movement, which is critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
Last year, Morningstar issued a news release repudiating the BDS campaign.
The release also announced “additional” measures to address anti-Israel bias in environmental, social and governance ratings from its subsidiary Sustainalytics.
©2023 The News Service of Florida
