TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced plans to block state colleges from having programs on diversity, equity and inclusion, and critical race theory.
\nThe Republican governor debuted the proposal as part of a larger, higher education legislative package that is expected to be taken up by the GOP-controlled statehouse when its regular session begins in March.
\nDeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate, has heavily criticized critical race theory, which examines systemic racism \u2014 as well as diversity, equity and inclusion programs, commonly known as DEI.
\nCritical race theory is a way of thinking about America\u2019s history through the lens of racism. Scholars developed it during the 1970s and 1980s in response to what scholars viewed as a lack of racial progress following the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation\u2019s institutions, which function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.
\n\u201cI think people want to see true academics and they want to get rid of some of the political window dressing that seems to accompany all this,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Bradenton, adding that DEI and CRT programs would get \u201cNo funding, and that will wither on the vine.\u201d
\nIn a statement, the governor’s office said the proposal \u201craises the standards of learning and civil discourse of public higher education in Florida\u201d by \u201cprohibiting higher education institutions from using any funding, regardless of source, to support DEI, CRT, and other discriminatory initiatives.\u201d
\nLater in the day, the newly conservative majority on the once progressive New College of Florida board of trustees \u2014 most of whom DeSantis recently appointed\u2014 voted to oust the current president, Patricia Okker. They also voted to begin debate on whether to abolish the office of diversity, equity and inclusion, and related programs. The final word on DEI programs will come at another meeting.
\nThe overall idea is to transform the school of less than 1,000 students in Sarasota into what the new trustees call a \u201cclassical\u201d liberal arts school.
\n\u201cI think it\u2019s time for us to set a new standard,” said one of the new trustees, conservative activist Christopher Rufo. \u201cI think new leadership is the expectation.\u201d
\nThe trustees voted to hire Richard Corcoran as the next New College president. The Republican former state House speaker and education commissioner is a close ally of DeSantis.
\nBefore the meeting, dozens of students held a rally outside to oppose major changes to the school and its mission, which is known for its open approach to coursework without specific grades, and being a safe place for many LBGTQ students who feel marginalized in other schools.
\n\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s at stake today and what we\u2019re here to protect: the freedom to learn, the freedom to think and the freedom to be who we are,\u201d said fourth-year student Madison Markham.
\nThe governor’s overall higher education proposal was expected after the DeSantis administration requested in late December that state colleges submit spending data and other information on programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and critical race theory.
\nThe governor is also pushing for education administrators to \u201crealign\u201d courses to provide historically accurate information and to not include identity politics. DeSantis’ proposals have not yet been introduced as formal legislation but the GOP-controlled statehouse is often eager to carry out his initiatives.
\nDeSantis and other conservatives have long argued that critical race theory, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs are racially divisive and discriminatory \u2014 and are often cited in criticism of what they often call \u201cwoke\u201d ideology in education.
\nLast year the governor signed legislation dubbed the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis, in schools and businesses. The law bars instruction that says members of one race are inherently racist or should feel guilt for past actions committed by others of the same race, among other things.
\nThis month the DeSantis administration blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies from being taught in high schools, saying it violates state law and is historically inaccurate.
\nSo far, at least 25 states have considered legislation or other steps to limit how race and racism can be taught, according to an analysis from Education Week. Eight states, all Republican-led, have banned or limited the teaching of critical race theory or similar concepts through laws or administrative actions. The bans largely address what can be taught inside the classroom.<\/p>\n
Abcnews<\/p>\n
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