Bill Continues DeSantis Overreach Into Classrooms, Authoritarian Assault on Information
Governor DeSantis today signed SB 266, which will restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs at Florida colleges and universities. Senator Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens) issued the following statement:
As Gov. DeSantis prepares to launch his looming presidential campaign, it’s no wonder he’s continuing to throw red meat to his base, all at the cost of representation and participation of millions of Floridians. Indoctrination drives the DeSantis Agenda – not because he is worried educators are indoctrinating students, but because they aren’t indoctrinating them with HIS ideology. This is sadly the latest example of government overreach into Florida classrooms as his administration continues its authoritarian assault on ideas and information.
Education ought to be about teaching kids how to think through issues, not what to think about issues. The exposure to wide-ranging experiences and fresh perspectives encourages understanding and creativity. By restricting what students can learn, the state is actively suppressing students’ academic and intellectual freedom. This is not only a disservice to our students themselves, but also to Florida as a whole as we look to attract and retain the best and brightest.
The reality is that Floridians continue to grapple with skyrocketing housing and property insurance costs, and Gov. DeSantis remains focused on the wrong priorities. The people deserve solutions, not more political retribution and attacks that fail to make their lives better.
