in politics Florida Blue Key's control of politics has been compared to The Machine at the University of Alabama. For decades, members of Florida Blue Key have been the gatekeepers of student involvement on campus. The Independent Florida Alligator wrote that "For students aspiring to hold public office one day, the path seems simple," adding "Go to UF. Get involved in Student Government. Get tapped to join Florida Blue Key. Make the right connections." The publication has also written that a "fluid set of alliances governed by a select group of powerbrokers" called the "System" hovers over Student Government and Florida Blue Key, stating that the System assigns power to a small group of campus leaders who have a decisive influence on who gets tapped to join Florida Blue Key, among other things. The Tampa Bay Times has similarly written that "Campus politics in Gainesville have long been controlled by a powerful few with the help of a voting bloc made up of social sororities and fraternities. Much of the power-brokering occurs in a highly selective organization called Florida Blue Key." Criticism of FBK has propped up, with the organization being accused of intentionally tapping fewer individuals affiliated with multicultural communities. Wesley Maul, a former FBK President has addressed these concerns stating, "Many Florida students hold positions of responsibility and leadership throughout campus and the Gainesville community, but merely holding such a position doesn’t insure [sic] membership in Florida Blue Key." Maul also stated that FBK members are concerned with the diversity of the organization. Off-campus, Florida Blue Key has also been cited to have an influence in Florida's state politics, with Florida Trend writing in 2004 that, in the past, "the doors to the governor's mansion, Legislature and judiciary in Florida all seemed to unlock with a Blue Key." Then-U.S. Representative Adam Putnam stated, "Anybody who was anybody in Florida politics had been in Florida Blue Key -- and not just politics but business, the law, agriculture." Putnam also called FBK "probably more political than the Florida Legislature," and "outstanding preparation for political campaigning, the good and the bad." Notable alumni A short list of alumni include: See also Blue Key Honor Society Miss University of Florida Collegiate secret societies in North America Related Friar Society Order of the Golden Bear The Machine References 1923 establishments in Florida Collegiate secret societies Honor societies Student organizations established in 1923 Student