Florida Steps Up: Supporting States in the Battle Against ‘Woke Ideology’ in Education Policies

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is supporting the Trump administration’s push to eliminate racial discrimination and bias in classrooms. The department is eager to assist other states in meeting the U.S. Department of Education’s new directives.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. emphasized Florida’s leadership in education, stating, “We stand ready to help any state comply with the USDOE’s directive.” Florida has already taken significant steps in this direction.

Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has actively worked to remove policies that promote racial preferences and stereotypes among students. Diaz highlighted Florida’s progressive measures as a model for others to follow.

In 2022, DeSantis signed the Stop WOKE Act, which prohibits teaching concepts that may be seen as discriminatory, including Critical Race Theory. This act also broadened the curriculum on African American History, aiming to foster a better understanding of the effects of racism.

DeSantis criticized what he calls “woke ideology” as an effort to undermine American history and institutions, asserting it threatens societal values.

Furthermore, the 2023 legislation known as SB 266 restricts state funding from being used for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The law also bans any programs or courses that violate Florida’s discrimination laws or are founded on ideas of systemic racism or privilege.

To reinforce these changes, the Florida State Board of Education has enacted a rule to permanently ban DEI initiatives across the Florida College System. DeSantis remarked that this legislation counteracts a prevailing “monoculture” in higher education influenced by DEI principles, which he believes fosters discrimination and exclusion.

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