The Florida State Board of Education voted over the summer to ban lessons on critical race theory in public school, and Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a new proposal that would allow parents to file lawsuits if their children are taught critical race theory.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to supporters and members of the media after signing a bill. In this file photo, Chris O'Meara.
The Associated Press.
At a news briefing on Wednesday morning, the proposal was called the "Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act" and it had an atmosphere similar to a campaign rally.
The governor stood behind a podium with a sign that said "STOP WOKE Act" and was flanked by cheering supporters holding signs in support of the legislation.
The 1619 Project, which reviews American history with slavery as the central narrative, was banned by the state education board in June.
The Stop Woke Act would be an enforcement measure for the ban since parents would be able to hold schools accountable for teaching critical race theory despite the prohibition.
"He said he didn't want people judged on the color of their skin, but on the content of their character." Some people don't talk about critical race theory because they don't like it. His choice to quote Martin Luther King caused backlash on social media.
The press conference of Gov. RonDeSantis is crazy. In 38 years of living, I have never heard or seen such foolishness.
Over the past year, Republican officials across the U.S. have made banning critical race theory a top priority. The theory that racism is ingrained into American governmental entities is important to examining U.S. history and is politically driven by left-leaning activists. As his national political profile grows, he is at the forefront of another popular culture war talking point among Republicans, as his vocal opposition to critical race theory puts him at the forefront. If Donald Trump decides not to run for president in 2024, Ron DeSantis will be the favorite to win the GOP nomination and become the party's nominee. The most aggressive stance against Covid restrictions of any governor of a large state has been taken by DeSantis, who signed tougher voting restrictions into law and enacted a ban on trans students playing in girls sports in public schools.
If critical race theory is taught in public schools, parents could file a lawsuit.
The Florida education board voted to keep race theory out of schools.
